This refers to the article, “Glory of Ganga needs restoration” (January 18) by Kota Sriraj. The saga of the Ganga is the most troubled failure of this nation, which for centuries, kept on conniving as the agents of doom turned this river goddess into a gutter. In spite of the efforts of three Governments and massive funds, the sorry plight of this lifeline of India brings out why we keep on failing a project which is clearly doable. It is amply clear that the Governments lacked adequate political will and the executing agencies were never equal to the task. In the meantime, civic agencies, industries and people at large insanely dumped all their filth. Stray and half-hearted efforts in cleaning a few patches along the river were matched unabatedly by more effluents, sewage and wastes.
Irrespective of the parameters, pollution in the Ganga remains all time high. Recent change of the Minister in-charge is too little too late as factors causing pollution remain unaffected; funds remain unutilised; and people’s awareness untouched. With new changes in the approach and execution of this project, however, there can be a slim hope for improvement but the deadline of March 2019 for a clean Ganga remains elusive. Ultimate political will for a last push, strictest punishment of bureaucrats who demur together with stiff penalties for defaulters are expected to pay dividends to ultimately have a clean Ganga. Public awareness, however, remains a crucial issue without which other efforts may be negated. Religious and social leaders of all hues and a massive volunteer force will have to involve genuinely for this task.