The Hindu : New Delhi News : "Need for public action to save Yamuna"

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Sunday, May 20, 2007
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New Delhi

"Need for public action to save Yamuna"

Madhur Tankha

NEW DELHI: Emphasising the need for public action to save the Yamuna, environmentalists and activists on Saturday demanded that all encroachments on its riverbed be removed.

During a dialogue on "Water Crisis and Management" organised by Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti here in the Capital, speakers underlined the need to conserve the river rather than allow "urbanisation" on its riverbed in the name of development.

Magsaysay Award winner Rajinder Singh, better known as "Waterman", asserted that water conservation was possible only if the masses were involved. "Masses can only be inspired to do some social work if they have sincerity, responsibility and authority. Delhiites should form a special relationship with the Yamuna. This river belongs to them as their survival is depended on its existence. They should lay stress on conserving the river rather than allowing construction on its riverbed," he said.

Expressing concern over the falling water levels, ever increasing pollution and low levels of dissolved oxygen in the river, Mr. Singh said the "illegal" encroachments taking place in the name of development was not what the residents of Delhi wanted.

Stating that the need of the hour was judicious management of water resources, Mr. Singh said people should consume water as per their requirement and avoid wastage of water.

Stating that the 22 km stretch of the Yamuna was the lifeline of Delhi, Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan convenor Manoj Misra said Delhiites ought to know who gave permission to the Delhi Development Authority to sell the riverbed to Akshadham temple, a private trust.

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh suggested a balance between technology and environment. "If we have a balance of technology and environment there will be lesser problems, but if there is lack of co-ordination then problems will surely crop up ," he said.

Arjun Baba, a water activist from Alwar, said regeneration of groundwater needed to be given considerable emphasis.

He shared his experience of how the community managed water and ensured availability of the precious commodity in Alwar.

"Such experiences need to be replicated in other parts of the country and only with such community action can the Yamuna be restored to its pristine glory," he added.

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