Saraswati river needs collective care, not pollution, says HSHDB official

Dhuman Singh Kirmach, Vice-Chairperson of the Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board (HSHDB), on Sunday conducted an inspection of a stretch of the Saraswati River in Pehowa, stressing the need for community participation in preserving the sanctity and cleanliness of the river.

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During the inspection, which was also attended by officials from the Irrigation Department, Kirmach, expressed concern over the release of dirty water and garbage into the river by local residents. “The state government is making sincere efforts to rejuvenate the river and develop shrines along its banks,” he said. “But it is unfortunate that some people are still polluting this sacred river. This is absolutely unacceptable.”

Kirmach warned of strict action against those who block the natural flow of the river or dump waste into it, emphasising that residents of Pehowa must take shared responsibility for maintaining cleanliness. He directed officials to keep close watch on pollution points and take swift action if any negligence is found — either on the part of individuals or government officers.

While interacting with locals, Kirmach reiterated the importance of collective effort. “People living along the banks of the Saraswati should not throw garbage into the river. Instead, they should inspire others to treat the river with respect. Saraswati is not just a water body — it’s a part of our heritage,” he said.

On a hopeful note, Kirmach also announced that a riverfront will be developed along the Saraswati in Pehowa, making it a cultural and recreational site. He added that steps have been taken to divert sewage and contaminated water away from the river. “Most of the dirty water outlets have already been closed. However, if any unnoticed discharge point remains, residents must report it to the board immediately so that the flow of clean water is ensured in the river.”

The visit ended with a renewed call for awareness and collaboration between government bodies and citizens to restore and protect the historical Saraswati River, which holds deep cultural and spiritual significance in the region.