Bhiwandi students turn good Samaritans to save polluted water bodies

On Independence Day, students from various colleges in Bhiwandi and neighbouring areas raised awareness on saving of water bodies in the region.

The students collaborated with Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation (BNMC), gram panchayats of nearby villages and other local government officials to save Kamwari river and Ulhas creek, which run through the city, and several lakes that dot the region from pollution. In the process, they learnt valuable information about their city and its water resources.

Snehal Dhonde, principal of Halari Visa College, Bhiwandi, who has been designated as a Jal Nayak [Water Hero] by the Maharashtra government, said most of the water bodies in the area have become polluted owing to direct release of untreated effluents by the industries. It leads to the contamination of potable water and flooding in the city, she added.

“The silt accumulated in water bodies causes them to overflow. At the same time, the salty water of the creek seeps into the ground. As a result, potable water is no longer drinkable. While there was some desilting done in 2002, it wasn’t sufficient,” Dhonde said.

On Wednesday, after the tricolour was hoisted at BNMC headquarters, students, mayor and municipal commissioner pledged to save water. A water literacy video was also released on this occasion.

The colleges and BNMC collectively installed hoardings across the city to educate people about ways to conserve water resources. They also held a rally to spread awareness on the pollution issues plaguing the city.

Colleges said the initiative was helpful for the students and the region. “We almost covered the entire city to spread awareness. It is now up to students to take the lead and further the cause,” BJ Paikrao, a teacher at BNN College, said.

“We appreciate the initiative. It was much needed. Clean water is a big problem in the city,” said Ruma Khan, a teacher at Samadiya College, Bhiwandi.

Referred to as ‘Manchester of India’, Bhiwandi has are more than 5 lakh powerlooms and more than 225 dyeing, printing, processing units. Out of 225 units, 45 are large-scale dyeing and printing units.

First Published: Aug 19, 2018 23:59 IST