Surendra Pal Singh | Uttarkashi
The Bhagirathi river is being contaminated openly in Uttarkashi. Apart from domestic garbage and sewer water, the waste from at least two mineral water plants situated on its banks is also being dumped into the river here.
At its source in Gaumukh, the Bhagirathi is clean but waste from various sources ends up in this sacred river as it flows further in Uttarkashi district. The waste from mineral water plants at Astal in Dunda and Ongi is dumped into the river. Apart from this, drains emptying into the river and garbage strewn on the Ghats used for ceremonial dips of deities present an alarming sight.
Observers state that the ground reality contradicts official claims of efforts to ensure the cleanliness of the Ganga and maintain the purity of its water. Though considerable sums are spent under the Clean Ganga Mission, the Bhagirathi is being blatantly polluted here.
In addition to the waste from mineral water plants, the garbage from local hotels and commercial establishments is also being dumped in the river. The items used by pilgrims, including plastic waste, also end up in the Bhagirathi.
Concerned citizens opine that in addition to raising awareness and improving waste management, strict measures should be taken to prevent the continued pollution of the river. On being shown videos of the Bhagirathi being polluted, the Uttarkashi district magistrate Meharban Singh Bisht said that he will get the matter checked and direct appropriate measures.
