CM launches Suswa river cleanliness campaign

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 7 

Chief Minister Trivendra Rawat has laid stress on importance of cleanliness of rivers in the state.

The Chief Minister was addressing a gathering after taking part in the Suswa river cleanliness campaign at Mothrowala in Dehradun today. The campaign was organised by the U Turn Foundation, a voluntary organisation. Rawat said rivers were lifeline for any society and appreciated efforts towards cleaning of water.

He said efforts were undertaken at Sahastradhara Road garbage dumping ground to lessen the foul smell by using a particular organic substance. “Similar efforts have been done for Rispana and Suswa rivers which have started giving positive results,” Rawat said. He said seasonal rivers today face a big pollution challenge.

Dharampur MLA and Dehradun Mayor Vinod Chamoli said cleanliness in Dehradun should be taken up seriously. He said pollution in Suswa river was a matter of concern as the river also caters to water needs of wildlife in Rajaji Tiger Reserve.

A large number of volunteers from U Turn foundation, Dudhli Inter College, Uttarakhand Police personnel, Dehradun Municipal Corporation employees, local public representatives and villagers took part in the cleanliness campaign.

The cleanliness efforts for Suswa river comes at a time when there are reports of high level of pollution in the river, which is the third most important seasonal river in Dehradun after Rispana and Bindal. While Bindal and Rispana meanders through the heart of Dehradun city, Suswa flows from the outskirts and thus was once considered to be as most clean seasonal river of the region. But with rampant infrastructure development, Suswa river too has started facing the pollution challenge.