A comprehensive study conducted by the Society of Pollution and Environmental Conservation Scientists (SPECS) has revealed that the three rivers in Dehradun — Bindal, Rispana and Suswa carry toxins to the holy river Ganga.
The report highlighted that large scale dumping of sewage, household waste, waste from dairies, cottage industry and other small industries along with other waste materials are being carried to the Ganga by these rivers from Dehradun thus increasing the toxin level in the national river.
The study also revealed that the levels of toxins in the three rivers of Dehradun are in quantities higher than the permissible parameters.
Addressing the media, the SPECS secretary Brij Mohan Sharma said, “After collection of samples followed by laboratory testing conducted by us, it was found that water of rivers Rispana, Bindal and Suswa are full of toxins. Effluents were high in these rivers as their waters were found to contain toxins like chromium, zinc, iron, lead and manganese which are very harmful for the soil, aquifers, human life and even wild animals.’’
After merging with Bindal and Rispana, the Suswa later merges with the Saung river.
The water from these rivers also passes through Rajaji tiger reserve before merging in the Ganga. Due to this, the toxin laden waters of these rivers have become a threat to the wildlife in the area too apart from carrying effluents to the Ganga.
Adding more in this Sharma said, “Alarmingly heavy toxic metal in water can result in damaged or reduced mental and central nervous system function, poor reproductive health, lower energy levels, damage blood composition, lungs, kidneys, liver, and other vital organs.
Long term exposure may result in slowly progressing physical, muscular and neurological degenerative processes that mimic Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis.
Allergies are not uncommon and repeated long term contact with some metals or their compounds may even cause cancer.”
Informing about the instructions given by the Uttarakhand Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Sharma said, “In the year 2017 UHRC have instructions to Peyjal Nigam, Jal Sansthan and Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) to work toward conserving Rispana river that is facing an existence crisis but nothing was done. Even after our repeated attempts, there was no reply from the officials concerned for saving these three rivers.”
Expressing dissatisfaction at the Government efforts for rejuvenating the Rispana he said, “Planting trees in the middle belts of the rivers will only bear results after 50 years, however plantation in recharge points of the rivers can be more helpful. It is important that proper planning is done for these rivers by the government as the logical flow of rivers is their responsibility.”