In a significant move to safeguard the purity of the Ganga during the upcoming Magh Mela, authorities in Uttar Pradesh have mandated strict, round-the-clock surveillance of dozens of industrial units. The state government has directed that 34 factories located near the tributaries of the Ganga in Bijnor and Amroha districts will be intensively monitored using cameras. The primary goal is to ensure these units do not discharge toxic effluents and waste into the holy river while a massive congregation of devotees is expected for the sacred baths.
Government Directive and Pollution Control Measures
The initiative follows explicit directions from the Uttar Pradesh government to concerned authorities to prevent water pollution in the Ganga and its tributaries ahead of the crucial bathing dates. The Magh Mela bathing period is scheduled from January 3 to February 15 next year. A large number of devotees are anticipated to take the holy dip, making water quality a paramount concern.
Out of the 34 factories under scrutiny, which include distilleries, sugar mills, and paper mills, 22 are situated in Bijnor district and 12 in Amroha district. The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) held a meeting on Monday to formalize the action plan. Subsequently, a file was sent to the respective district administrations to constitute a special monitoring panel.
Formation of Special Monitoring Teams
This dedicated panel will keep a close watch on discharged effluents to ensure a pollution-free Ganga for the devotees. Umesh Chandra Shukla, the Regional Officer of the UPPCB, confirmed the development. He stated, "A special team is being constituted to monitor all industries at different intervals during the Magh Mela. The PCB has already issued notices to these factories instructing them not to discharge effluents into the rivers."
Interestingly, UPPCB officials claim that all factories located close to the rivers in these two districts are technically designated as zero-discharge factories. The core function of the monitoring team will be to verify whether these units are operating their Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) effectively and consistently. The surveillance cameras will be strategically installed at discharge points to provide real-time oversight and deter any violations.
Focus on Key Tributaries and Industrial Hotspots
The monitoring effort will concentrate on the major tributaries of the Ganga in the region, which include the Malan, Gagan, Baan, Chhoiya, and Ramganga rivers, along with several large drains linked to them. A significant portion of the industrial units are located on the banks of these water channels, which have been identified as primary sources of industrial water pollution. The camera-based vigilance system aims to plug this critical gap, especially during the environmentally sensitive period of the festival.
This proactive step by the UPPCB and district administrations highlights a heightened focus on enforcing environmental compliance. It balances industrial activity with the ecological and religious sanctity of the Ganga, ensuring millions of devotees can participate in the Magh Mela rituals without health risks from contaminated water.
