‘Road construction company dumping muck into Ganga’

UTTARKASHI: A private company, involved in the construction of a road between Thirang and Salang villages in Uttarkashi, has been accused of violating the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone (BESZ) norms by area residents. Local activists allege that the company is dumping muck into Ganga Bhagirathi river and have demanded strict action in the matter. "The 4.7-km-road is being constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.However, the construction company is directly dumping muck -- generated from hill cutting -- into Ganga Bhagirathi river, threatening the fragile eco-system of Gangotri Himalayas," said Deepak Ramola, a social activist from Uttarkashi.
Ramola added: "The Gangotri Himalayas region is an extremely fragile ecosystem. Despite repeated appeals by environmentalists and strict BESZ laws, government agencies are not doing anything for illegal muck dumping. Besides, unplanned construction activities, improper solid waste management and poor sewerage system have become a hazard for the region."
Echoing similar sentiments, another social activist Dwarika Semwal said, "Dumping muck into the Ganga Bhagirathi is a gross violation of BESZ norms and a matter of serious concern. The government must take strict steps to stop such activities so that both the environment and development of rural areas are not affected." Lalita Devi, gram pradhan of Salang village said, "There are some places where muck has fallen into the Ganga Bhagirathi river during construction."
"We, villagers, are aware about our responsibility towards conservation of the Ganga and forests as they are the main sources of our livelihood. Although, development works, like road construction, are also equally important for our survival," she added.