The annual closure and cleaning of the Ganga canal in Haridwar, which commenced for a two-week period, have once again shed light on the concerning problem of pollution and waste left behind by visitors. Despite ongoing maintenance efforts at the Ganga ghats around Har-ki-Pauri, substantial piles of garbage, discarded clothing, religious materials, and various waste items remain conspicuous. The Ganga canal was shut down on October 24, and the maintenance operations will continue until November 12.

The waste issue extends across all the major ghats, from the revered Brahamkund to the bustling Har-ki-Pauri Ganga Ghats and the 16-kilometer stretch of the canal leading to Roorkee.

Throughout the year, millions of pilgrims and local residents flock to these ghats to pay their respects, take a dip in the sacred Ganga River, and collect Gangajal, considered highly auspicious in Hinduism.

During the annual Kanwar fair in August, colloquially known as the Shravan Kanwar Mela, a staggering 39 million devotees, often referred to as Kanwariyas, descended upon Haridwar. The cleanup operation is now addressing the remnants of bamboo-made Kanwars and the plastic waste, including food wrappers and water bottles, which had accumulated beneath the canal bed.

Normally, Haridwar generates 200-300 metric tonnes of waste daily, but this figure surges to over 500 metric tonnes during the Kanwar fair and major festive baths.

A growing concern is the prevalence of microplastic pollution in the Ganga, posing a significant threat. Devotees who consume Ganga water may inadvertently ingest these toxic elements. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that no plastic, polythene, garbage, or ritual materials are left in the Ganga or any other river used for drinking and irrigation purposes.

To combat this issue, the Ganga Sabha, responsible for managing the sanctum sanctorum of Brahamkund Har-ki-Pauri and adjacent Ganga ghats, is using the annual Ganga Canal closure as an opportunity to raise awareness about the pollution affecting the sacred river.

The closure of the Ganga Canal unveils the entire canal bed and lower stairs of the ghats, making it apparent that devotees and tourists must refrain from leaving materials behind that could harm the river.

The Uttar Pradesh irrigation department, responsible for managing the Ganga canal, is placing a significant emphasis on cleaning the river and all the ghats during this annual closure. Manual laborers and JCB machines are both being employed to clear the Ganga canal.

In addition to cleaning, the UP irrigation department is conducting maintenance on sub-irrigation supply channels, barrage regulators, and related renovation works during this period.

Himalayan Live Bureau

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