MERI DILLI MERI YAMUNA

MERI DILLI MERI YAMUNA
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Rivers are lifelines for human existence. They assume great significance in early human settlement. The inner valleys and basins of the mighty rivers have significantly contributed in the development of various civilizations and cultures of the world.
Besides navigation for trade, irrigation, electricity, cheap transport and livelihood for a large number of people, rivers especially in India have assumed great spiritual importance since ancient times. Temples are built on the river banks, the cities that have grown up along the banks of the rivers have become holy cities. The rivers like Ganga and Yamuna are worshipped like goddess.
How these sacred rivers look like today? It is shameful to admit that the plight of once majestically flowing rivers is pathetic. Despite crores of Rupees spent on their cleanliness there is hardly any improvement to be seen. The Ganga and Yamuna, the two major rivers of our country, are the filthiest. Industrial effluents and sewage contribute most in their pollution. People also add to the pollution of the rivers by throwing flowers, holy offerings etc as rituals. The Holly Rivers remain perpetually polluted. At a particular Ghat in Varanasi dead bodies are burnt day and night, the ashes are thrown in the river, in some cases even half burnt bodies are also pushed into the holy water.

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Free flowing rivers have been choked by the construction of dams on them thus robbing them of their beauty.

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I remember years back when I travelled from Rishikesh to Gangotri, the site of free flowing Ganga passing through the valleys of mighty Himalayas presented enchanting panoramic views, today several dams that have come up all along on the river have reduced it to a almost dry river wailing about the withered glory of its past. Rivers meandering through some big cities of the world are beautifully maintained. River Thames in London, Rhine in Frankfurt, Nile in Cairo, Volga in Moscow, Yangtze in Shanghai and Seine in Paris are all clean and sparkling.
What happened to the ‘Yamuna Action Plan’? Crores of Rupees spent for cleaning Yamuna have gone down the drain without any visible sign of change in the health of the river.
Is there no solution for rejuvenation of the decaying river? Should the Govt do more to save the river? The first task should be public awareness. Anybody found defiling the river should be punished. We have savaged the rivers for years now it’s the time to pay back the debt. A combination of strong political will backed by stringent laws against misuse of the rivers and public contribution in maintain their cleanliness is needed to bring them back to life.

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