Efforts to revitalise the dying Harmu River seem to be bearing fruits. Comparatively cleaner banks and wider stretch testify to the efforts made to save the city’s lifeline.
But the drains and sewerage lines emptying in the river still put a question mark on the river’s salvation as work to achieve this goal continues on war-footing.
“The drains are still falling in the river and no arrangements have been made to redirect them. Apart from the official efforts, we too are trying to clean the river and Chhath ghat ourselves before Chhath Puja,” said Sanjay Singh, a resident of Anandpuri, a neighbourhood on the banks of Harmu River.
Even if Harmu River has grown in size considerably in recent times, its water continues to flow in a repulsive shade of black, usually associated with sewage and drain water.
“Currently, we are working on clearing silt and sediment from the river. Work has only begun from Ganganagar and is still in its nascent stage. A lot needs to be done before the river water is fit for use,” said Karan Shukla, one of the supervisors engaged in the rejuvenation process, managing operations near the Harmu river Chhath ghat.
We are currently focussing on cleaning the river ahead of the coming Chhath Puja, Shukla added. But when asked how the river water will be made fit for devotees when drains from localities on the river banks go on polluting it, he replied, “The drains will be dealt with shortly. The locals have contacted Ranchi Municipal Corporation to get clean water during Chhath.”
The organising committee responsible for preparing the ghat for Chhath have asked the urban local authority to provide clean water there. “We intend to stop drain water from contaminating Harmu river water before Chhath. We have asked the Deputy Mayor to help us arrange clean water here so that devotees can offer their prayers on a clean and sanitised ghat,” said Convener of the committee, Tuntun Yadav.
“Drain water will keep on polluting the Harmu River unless there is an alternative way to prevent this from happening. The rejuvenation plans include proposals to set up a treatment plant to filter the sewage from nearby localities, but it will come to pass in the coming three years. Till then, we will have to opt for other options if we immediately need clean water,” said Deputy Mayor Sanjeev Vijaywargiya.
He further added, “Chhath Puja is still a month away. Ways to provide clean water to devotees who come to Harmu River Chhath Ghat will be discussed and determined before the festival is here.