Varanasi to face acute water shortage due to heat, pollution

Holy river Ganga in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi is losing its purity with rise in temperature and pollution across the nation. In the near future people are expected to face severe water shortage as the water level of river Ganga is dipping rapidly. The water quality is also degrading due to regular inappropriate disposal of sewage.

Varanasi: With rising temperature and pollution, the water level in river Ganga in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi has witnessed a major dip which might lead to acute water shortage in the city.

Water supply department is expected to issue a red alert in the area in view of the shrinking river. The river bed is turning into barren land due to extensive exploitation of water resources.

People in Varanasi are forced to use the polluted water. They are facing a huge shortage of potable water as many drains and sewers are flowing down into the river without proper treatment.

Even the water pumps are getting defunct in the area as the water table in gradually going down.

In the past seven days, the water level of river Ganga has dipped from 58.29% to 57.99%.

During the inspection of Ganga in Varanasi, Union Cabinet Minister in Ministry of Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also came across the deteriorating condition of the river water. At least three sewers are directly opened into the river without treatment.

On one hand, the water of the river is rapidly evaporating due to extensive heat and on the other hand, inappropriate disposal of sewage is polluting the river.

As much as 98% of Ganga river water is barred in dams in Uttrakhand and only 2% of water is provided in the plains for daily consumption, including irrigation.

Currently, more than 8400 MPN units, which is 10 times greater than the prescribed standard, is present in Ganga water.

Talking about the preventive measures, Water Works Department GM Neeraj Gaur stated that the people should conserve river water and also utilise the techniques of rain water harvesting and underground water discharging.

With suitable rainfall and not releasing sewage without proper treatment could help in maintaining appropriate water level in the river.
Efforts are being made to channelise the water in Ganga from Uttarakhand to equalize the water level across the river.

The administration is also working towards maintenance of water pumps and sewage treatment plants for effective relief from severe water shortage in the region.

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