-SATISH HANDA

Residents around the banks of Yamuna river from Yamunanagar flowing across Haryana state on way to Delhi vent their ire over the callous manner of the authorities to handle getting clean water flowing from Yamunotri getting polluted as soon as river enters Haryana. According to information, as many as 20 drains of polluted water in Yamunanagar area alone containing sewerage water, toxic chemicals discharged from industries and other factory wastes without treatment thrown in it at several points although a ditch drain built along with the  river is there to throw polluted water. Information reveals, even waste water from various government projects including public health department, Municipal Corporation being thrown in Yamuna River causing water to stink badly and get poisonous. Moreover, dumps of garbage are seen lying on both side of river posing a threat of epidemic outbreak.

It is claimed that government spends huge money to clean Yamuna water quire often, but it is baseless as the clean water flowing through the hills turn into rubbish and polluted water due to negligence of the administration and docile attitude of public. According to Nirmal Kumar Regional officer Haryana State Pollution Control Board, there are 22 places identified in Yamunanagar and Karnal districts where polluted water, dumps of garbage is being thrown in Yamuna river spreading diseases. He said, before the winter starts, Yamuna river becomes the bathing pond for the buffaloes near rural areas, one can see hundreds of buffaloes which make water so muddy and polluted that no one likes to take a dip in it.

According to a fisherman, the water is so dirty with cow dung that it endangers the survival of fishes in areas. Even migratory birds shun the water. “It is sad, the administration is not taking stern action, to have a strict check to prevent this pollution and action against those polluting it.” lament residents that sewerage water of residents living in surrounding areas is thrown in the river through drains.