In an open meeting involving different seers and heads of ashrams with the Chief Minister Harish Rawat at Dam Kothi guest house on Saturday, the saints placed several suggestions to the CM to make the Ganga clean. They also regretted the State Government remaining laggard on the matter. CM assured his Government would consider the suggestions seriously.
Shankracharya Raj Rajeshwarashram of Jagadguru Ashram urged the CM to take immediate initiatives to make sure that the Ganga is freed from pollution. Unless it is free from litters and debris none of the devotees will care to stay in Haridwar during the upcoming Ardh Kumbh, he said. He added that presently the water flowing through the ghat of ‘Har Ki Pauri’ is just six inches. Sufficient flow of water should be maintained, he stressed.
Mahamandkeshwar Swami Hari Chetnanand of Udasin Bada Akhara said that Ardh Kumbh being under the scanner of around 177 countries, it is a great challenge for the State Government. He alleged that the State Government has scant regard for the opinions of the seers and the saints. He added that cleanliness of the ghat is not what it ought to be. Work of cleanliness done daily is not satisfactory either. In that case, how can Ardh Kumbh be successfully completed, he questioned.
Baba Harsh Yogi of Khankhal supported Hari Chetnanand, saying that the areas adjacent to ‘Har Ki Pauri’ have been reduced to garbage dumping ground. After listening to their grievances vent in his presence, Harish Rawat assured that their demands and suggestions would be discussed in the Cabinet meeting to be held in Haridwar. Rawat also slammed the BJP–led Central Government for not providing adequate funds to ensure smooth Ardh Kumbh 2016 preparations.