About a year after her portfolio in the Union Cabinet was changed, the Union Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Uma Bharti has retained her focus on the Ganga river and its cleanliness.
The Union Minister who often visits Uttarakhand for her spiritual pursuits talked exclusively to The Pioneer on issues ranging from the Ganga and Ram Mandir to politics and governance. Excerpts:
Since your portfolio in the Union Cabinet was changed from Ganga Rejuvenation and Water Resources to Drinking Water and Sanitation how has the ministry tackled the major challenges of drinking water and sanitation?
Despite the change of ministry and responsibility I still affirm that I live for Ganga and will die for Ganga. This is my pledge.
During my previous tenure I could do much for the river in terms of undertaking projects which I could not even think of doing in 200 years, making villages open defecation free (ODF) and now being an activist I am spreading awareness among people not to pollute it.
There are two aspects of cleaning Ganga. One is government’s part for which projects worth Rs 20,000 crore are in pipeline and some are implemented while the second aspect is the devotees. About 70 crore people take a dip in the Ganga annually. They are to be requested not to throw plastic bottles and polythene in Ganga.
What is your view of Ganga cleaning efforts at present? Will it be possible to clean the Ganga completely by 2020?
Sixteen hundred villages have been made ODF along the Ganga between Gaumukh and Gangasagar, some areas of Jharkhand are left which will be covered soon. The prime minister’s plan of Rs 20,000 crore for clean and free flowing Ganga shall definitely be implemented though the timeline may be delayed. I need support of the people. More awareness is needed among farmers to shun pesticides and adopt organic farming. Regarding waste disposal, municipal corporations have ample funds and they must ensure that garbage is segregated; create wealth from waste and dispose properly which cannot be reused. NGOs are being roped in for solid waste management. I tried hard to press Union minister Nitin Gadkari to speed up projects, but I was told of CAG and other audition hassles if implemented without considering time frames will create problems.
But it will be done. Whether Ganga water is clean and fit for drinking- the quality of water is not tested in laboratories but by the biodiversity which thrives on it.
Hilsa fish, Mahashir, golden fish when these start thriving in Ganga water, it would be declared clean.
What is your take on Swami Gyanswaroop Sanand who died fasting for the Ganga?
His sacrifice will never go futile. Ganga Act will surely come, timeline may vary. I used to visit Swami Sanand and I looked towards him as my father. We both undertook hunger strike for the Ganga in 2011.
As you are also campaigning in MP, what in your view is the status of BJP in Madhya Pradesh?
The BJP will definitely be elected to office in MP. The environment is favorable for the BJP.
On the Ram Mandir issue, is the delay by Supreme Court in passing judgement justified?
People want judgement to come as early as possible. Ram temple will definitely be made there. No one can remove Ram Lalla from there. There is uneasiness among the people regarding delay in hearing.
Some saints have threatened escalation, if Ram Mandir is not made within six months. Is an ordinance by the government the solution?
We will see how bill comes through Parliament. Subramanian Swamy, Swami Satyamitranand are all pressing the government. Their voice shall definitely reach the court of law and government. Those who have put hurdles in decision, shall also have to listen the voices of the saints.
What is your opinion of the Uttarakhand government's performance?
I am satisfied with the efforts undertaken by the government of Uttarakhand. With persistent efforts, villages on the banks of Ganga river have become ODF and now plans are afoot for making ODF plus areas.