A few days ago, the Yamuna River in Delhi showed remarkable purity, mainly due to the decrease in industrial pollutants discharged into the ancient water stream. Now, it is the turn of River Ganga, as the water from the holy river has now become fit for drinking in Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Ganga water has become fit for ritual sipping
As per the observation made by BD Joshi, Environmental Scientist and Ex-professor at the Gurukul Kangri University, the Ganga water in Haridwar and Rishikesh has become fit for ritual sipping (achaman). The expert added that the cause behind cleaner Ganga water is a 500 percent decrease in total dissolved solids, industrial effluent, Dharamshala’s, sewage from lodges and hotels.
The opinion has also been backed by officials from the Ganga Sabha and State Pollution Control Board (PCB). The main reason for the shift has been the absence of pilgrims, who have not been visiting the cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh due to the nationwide lockdown.
Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board keeping tabs on the cleanliness
Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand PCB is keeping tabs on the quality of water in Ganga. An official revealed that while water in Haridwar is good for bathing and drinking after treatment, the water at Rishikesh is fine for drinking after disinfection.
