World Environment Day: Restoring Tawi’s sanctity remains on paper only

World Environment Day
Restoring Tawi’s sanctity remains on paper only
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 5
One more World Environment Day passed today, but the state government’s promises to restore the sanctity of the Tawi remained on paper only. As a result, the river, which has virtually turned into a garbage dumping yard, is crying for immediate attention.

A mere visit to the Tawi, popularly known as the Surya Putri, exposed the assurances made by the government.

The Tawi, which divides Jammu city into two parts, has become the most polluted river of the state, as the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) is not only dumping solid waste in it, but sewerage from more than 20 direct and indirect channels continues to flow into the river.

Having a great religious and historical importance, the Tawi is a major left bank tributary of the Chenab, which flows through Doda, Udhampur and Jammu districts before entering into Pakistan. The total catchment area of the 141-km river is more than 2,100 sq km.

“One can better understand the approach of the state government towards such serious issues. If a major river like the Tawi that flows in the mid of the winter capital is dying then we can better understand the condition of other rivers flowing in the state,” said Gaurav Sharma, a social activist.

Despite a ban imposed by the High Court, the JMC and the state Pollution Control Board have failed to protect the river from becoming a dumping yard.

Sometime ago, a number of plans were announced to beautify the river for the promotion of tourism. Although landscaping of both sides of the river by constructing walkways and an artificial lake were proposed to be built, nothing has come over and polythene bags are still choking the river.

Mining mafia is also doing the excavation of sand and stones. Besides, a few people have encroached upon the land inside the river and have made houses in it.

Biomedical waste is also being dumped into the river without segregating it from other solid waste. This is also a violation of the Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules-1998.

“During the rainy season, the water level in the river increases and the garbage starts floating on the river banks, which not only emits foul smell, but also becomes a health hazard for the people living near the river,” said Indu Sharma, a resident of Bhagwati Nagar.

However, Minister of PHE and Irrigation Taj Mohi-ud-Din said, “The government is concerned about preserving rivers and a number of schemes have been launched for the purpose. The work is also going on to beautify the Tawi and in a short period, all loopholes will be plugged”.

Courtesy: The Tribune