Ganga's Annual Shutdown Near Haridwar Exposes Piles of Garbage at Dam Gates
The yearly closure of the Ganga's flow to Haridwar for maintenance has revealed large accumulations of garbage, plastic and puja waste at the dam gates near Daam Kothi, renewing questions about the Namami Gange cleanup programme.
Current Summary
As the Ganga's water supply to Haridwar is shut off for its annual maintenance and repair work, carried out every year between Dussehra and Diwali, falling water levels have exposed large heaps of garbage, polythene and discarded clothes accumulated along the riverbed, banks and around barrages and dams near Daam Kothi. The visuals have drawn renewed scrutiny of the Namami Gange project, under which crores of rupees have been spent on sewage treatment and pollution control. Observers note that puja materials, garlands, clothing, plastic bags and household waste dumped into the river continue to collect despite official claims of effective waste management, raising concerns for the river's ecosystem and aquatic life.
What We Know
- The Ganga's water supply to Haridwar is cut annually between Dussehra and Diwali for maintenance and repair work.
- Falling water levels during this year's closure exposed large piles of garbage, polythene and clothing near the dam gates at Daam Kothi.
- The waste includes puja materials, garlands, plastic bags and household refuse dumped into the river.
- The visuals have renewed questions about the effectiveness of the Namami Gange project despite substantial government spending on it.
What Is Still Unclear
- Which agency is responsible for clearing the exposed waste and on what timeline.
- Whether authorities plan any response or review of waste management along this stretch of the river.
What Changed
- 1 Nov, 12:51 pmSignal detected: Ganga's Annual Shutdown Near Haridwar Exposes Piles of Garbage at Dam Gates
Background
The Namami Gange programme is the central government's flagship initiative to clean and rejuvenate the Ganga river, with crores of rupees invested in sewage treatment and pollution control infrastructure.