AGRA, May 5: In compliance with the order of the Supreme Court regarding pollution threat on the world famous monument of love Taj Mahal, the district administration has commenced a special drive on the cleanliness of the river Yamuna.
“The river Yamuna, which flows near the world-famous monument is becoming victim of dirtiness and pollution day-by-day,” sources related to ‘Yamuna Swachata Abhiyan’ said today.
Also, the filth and the encroachment at the ghats were polluting the river.
The growing pollution level and foul smell in the river had become a major cause of worry for all, they added.
The district administration has started a drive to check encroachment by farmers at various ghats including Dashara, Poiya, Hathi and Balkeshwar ghats.
The cultivators had started planting cucumber, lotus root and watermelons near the ghats.
According to Divisional Block Forest Officer P K Janu, the administration would remove the crops and plant saplings from near the banks of the river in residential area to develop greenery behind the Taj Mahal and beautify its ambiance.
The Supreme Court had recently hearing a PIL ordered for removal of encroachment by ‘dhobis(washermen)’ and ‘dairies’ near the banks of the river, besides asked the officers to remove agricultural work near the river.
Apex Court’s steering committee member D K Joshi said a restriction should also be imposed on agricultural works and rearing of cattle near the river as per the decision of the court.
He observed that the use of pesticides by farmers was also raising the pollution level into the river and risking the lives of the people.
Meanwhile, the decision of the court had created a furore among the cultivators, who were alleging that the court was doing injustice to them.
They have assured their full co-operation, if the administration provides an alternate arrangement.
The environmentalists, meanwhile, said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav carries a special interest in this area and can do a lot for better environment. Only a few days ago, the UP chief secretary Jawed Usmani had issued directions to develop nature park around the ‘Taj’.
A similar campaign for pollution-free Ganga river was already on in Varanasi. A large number of saints, politicians and general public was protesting for cleanliness of Ganga since past few months. (UNI)
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