‘Damodar Bachao’ campaign is yielding results, say activists

Ramgarh: The ‘Damodar Bachao’ campaign, which started in 2004, is yielding results as the quality of water in the river has improved. The initiative, which focused on cleaning the Damodar river, has been anchored by Jamshedpur East MLA Saryu Roy.
Having checked various industries, particularly the thermal power plants and coal washeries to stop discharging effluents into the river, Roy along with other activists are now targeting sources of water pollution in municipality areas by convincing stakeholders for establishment of sewer treatment plants.
Govind Mewar, the district convenor of ‘Damodar Bachao’ campaign in Ramgarh, said, “The laboratory report of the water quality for the past five years suggests that the quality is better now. The ph of Damodar river water in Ramgarh, Rajrappa and Giddi was 7.5 till 2010 and further the ph level improved to a sustainable level. Ganga Dussehra (arti) has been organized on Tuesday in 44 locations in Ranchi, Lohardaga, Latehar, Chatra, Ramgarh, Bokaro and Dhanbad.”
Damodar river passes through industrial areas and rich coal belt in Ranchi, Ramgarh, Bokaro and Dhanbad. At least 25 major units is located near Damodar.
However, pollution of the river caused drinking water crisis in villages located along its banks. The pollution control board in its report during undivided Bihar dubbed the water quality of Damodar as unfit for drinking.