PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Haridwar Despite crores of rupees being poured into the Namami Gange project, the ground reality of a clean, free-flowing Ganga remains highly questionable. Government claims of effective sewage treatment and pollution control are being challenged by shocking visuals that emerged during the closure of the river. Those who revere the holy river as Mother may feel anguished seeing huge heaps of garbage, polythene and clothes accumulated at the gates of the dam located near Daam Kothi. This troubling sight reveals that the issues of river contamination and waste disposal are far from resolved. Every year, the Ganga’s water supply to Haridwar is cut off for maintenance and repair work between Dussehra and Diwali. During this period, the water level drops and in some areas, the water level is so low that the garbage accumulated along the riverbed, banks and around barrages and dams become clearly visible. The piles of garbage that emerge during this time reveals that the problem of solid waste entering the river still persists, defying government claims. Enormous heaps of polythene and puja clothing are visible among the garbage piled up at the dam gates near Daam Kothi. Observers warn that puja materials, garlands, clothes, plastic bags and other household waste dumped into the Ganga may further worsen the river’s pollution. “This situation not just affects the beauty of the river, but also triggers serious concerns for aquatic life and the river’s ecosystem. Plastic and polythene persist for long periods of time. This is worrisome when we consider that even small pieces pose a threat to aquatic life,” said an observer.
About The Author
