New Delhi: “If the same amount of money, which has been wasted on the purification of River Yamuna, was used to buy mineral water and cascaded in the river, it would have been much cleaner,” said rebel AAP legislature and former water minister of Delhi government, Kapil Mishra, in a candid statement. He further added that due to lack of political will, River Yamuna, which is said to be the lifeline of Delhi-NCR, has become muckier.
While political parties are busy scoring political points on Chhath Puja by indulging in blame game over mismanagement at Yamuna Ghats in the city, devotees will have to take a dip in the stinking water of the river, thus putting themselves at health risk.
Over the last two decades, lack of political will and non-cooperation among the states and Central government has been delaying the revitalisation project for cleaning and rejuvenating Yamuna River.
Thousands of devotees thronged to Soor Ghat, Geeta Ghat near ISBT, Purvi Ghat, Hathi Ghat, Kudesia Ghat, Shyam Ghat, Yamuna Ghat, and Kalindi Kunj Ghat among others to take part in the Chhath ceremonies.
When asked why the Yamuna is turning into the filthiest river over the years, senior Congress leader and former MP from West Delhi Mahabal Mishra dodged the question and said, “Delhi as well as the Central government is equally responsible for delaying the Yamuna project.”
Meanwhile, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Ajay Maken criticised the Delhi government and the BJP-led civic bodies for their lack of preparations for Chhath Puja.
