HARIDWAR: Illegal settlements along the Upper Ganga Canal in Haridwar are significantly contributing to pollution in the Ganga, with reports of residents dumping waste directly into the river. In areas such as Rajiv Nagar Basti and Sonia Basti, household waste and untreated sewage are being discharged into the water, exacerbating pollution levels.
The issue was highlighted by a local councillor from Sonia Basti, who appealed to the Union Jal Shakti Ministry for assistance. Consequently, the municipal corporation has reached out to the Uttar Pradesh irrigation department, urging action against encroachments on canal land.
The Upper Ganga Canal, built in 1854 by British engineer Proby Thomas Cautley, serves as a crucial irrigation source for western Uttar Pradesh and supplies drinking water to the Delhi-NCR region. It is presently managed by the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department.
According to officials, nearly a 3-km stretch along the river, from Rishikul to Jawalpur, has been encroached upon over the years, restricting riverbank access at many points. This makes it challenging for sanitation workers to conduct cleaning operations, while residents continue to dispose of domestic waste into the river.
Hundreds of families have been residing illegally along the riverbank for years, complicating waste management and cleanliness efforts. Deputy Commissioner Deepak Goswami stated, “A councillor brought up concerns regarding Ganga pollution, prompting action. However, encroachments have hindered access to several areas, complicating waste removal. We have requested the UP irrigation department to clear these encroachments to facilitate cleaning.”
