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As the Tawi enters the city with clean water, it turns into an obnoxious slurry of sewage and garbage by the time it exits the city just 3 km downstream. Jammu Tribune launches a campaign to identify the pollution sources and what it’s doing to the city’s lifeline
Jammu, March 23 A walk along the riverbed is all the evidence one needs to know the state of the river, also known by the name Suryaputri. What is shocking is that all this happens in the course of a mere 35km that the river flows in the lower reaches after emerging from the hills. It originates in the Himalayas, below Seoj Dhar peak at Kali Kund, near Bhaderwah, in Doda district. A Tribune investigation reveals that around 20 drains, major and minor included, pour filth into the river. The Tawi traverses 141 km from its source to Marala in Pakistan, where it merges into the Chenab. But the majority of sewage is dumped into the river between the upstream town of Nagrota and the Bhagvati Nagar area of Jammu city. Along with municipal waste (garbage) and sewage, one would also spot dead animals dumped on the riverbed, much of which is dry at this time of the year.
As much as 26 mgd (million gallons per day) is pumped from the Tawi to cater to the needs of drinking water in Jammu. This is done at Sitlee (20mgd), Dhountli (4mgd) and Boria (2mgd) water treatment plants. Sitlee and Dhountli are located before the river enters Jammu, while Boria is located in the old city area, where the river enters Jammu. While most drains flow into the river after these points, The Tribune spotted at least one that was right next to the Sitlee plant. As per national and international standards, the pollution level in the river exceeds the permissible limit for drinking water. Chlorine, therefore, has to be added to the water at the treatment plants before it is supplied to the city residents. Choking the river
There have been directives from the High Court that disposal of any waste into the river be avoided, yet the Jammu Municipal Corporation till 2011-end was even dumping garbage on its banks. The Minister for Public Health and Engineering, Irrigation and Flood Control, Taj Mohi-ud-Din, however, seemed furious at this practice when contacted by The Tribune. He said he had instructed the local administration to ensure no municipal waste was dumped in the river in view of its heritage and the use of water for drinking. “It is the moral duty of everyone to save the river. The government is making conscious efforts, but public cooperation is needed,” he said. Bad BOD
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by biological organisms in water to break down organic material present in it. Higher the level, higher the organic pollution. A BOD level up to 2 mg per litre of water is considered usable for drinking after treatment. A State Pollution Control Board study in 2011 found the BOD level of samples collected near Nagrota (entry point to Jammu) was 1.2 mg/l, but this went up to 3.9 mg/l at Bikram Chowk Bridge, where Tawi leaves the city. Beyond that — after Bhagwati Nagar — this went up to a shocking 27.2 mg/l, as recorded in 2010. Though by 2011-end, dumping of garbage along the Tawi in the area was stopped. There is no reading for this area after that. Rising concentration
Nagrota is a major upcoming township that is discharging all its effluents into the river, affecting water quality as well as aquatic life. Huge discharge then comes in Jammu city from drains between Panjtirthi and Bhagwati Nagar. Besides drains, organic and inorganic effluents from agricultural fields also flow into the Tawi till it meets the Chenab. Flowing water has a natural process of cleansing from oxygen mixing in it and action of bacteria on organic matter. However, this is not working in the Tawi in this particular stretch, as the total flow of water has decreased over the years, resulting in higher concentration of pollutants.~ Dr Meenakshi Khajuria, lecturer in the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu, who has conducted a study on the physicochemical and bacteriological characteristics of the Tawi
City biggest culprit
As per State Pollution Control Board classification of water bodies, the Tawi falls in Grade A and B till it crosses Nagrota township, whereas it drops to D as it crosses Bhagwati Nagar.~ Dr Yashpal, scientist at the Head Laboratories of the State Pollution Control Board
Killing aquatic life
The Tawi is the longest and most important tributary of the Chenab. It receives nearly all of its pollution in the small stretch through the city. At spots where drains flow into the river, the water turns dark with suspended particles, and has a foul smell. The mounting level of pollution is not only a threat to humans, but also for the varied aquatic life the river
supports. Prof S.P.S. Dutta, studied Tawi pollution in 1984, 1990 and 2011 Tough act
According to the J&K Water Resources and Management Act, 2010, whoever disposes of household sewage or waste into any water source is liable to be punished with imprisonment for a term that may extend up to one year, or with a fine up to ~10,000, or both. To do
Not to do
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Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev remembered
Jammu, March 23 Speaking on the occasion, Anil Gupta, chairman, JKDF, said Bhagat Singh and his two fellow companions, Sukhdev and Rajguru, sacrificed their lives for the service of the motherland and maintained the glory of the nation. “The sacrifices were for the interest of the nation and the Balidan Diwas is being celebrated to remember the real heroes and to remind the countrymen of their contributions,” he added. Martyrs’ Day was also observed at the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) headquarters, Shaheedi Chowk. Speaking on the occasion, Ravinder Sharma, PCC leader, said the revolutionary movement led by Bhagat Singh against the atrocities of the Britishers on the countrymen and heroes of the freedom struggle played a significant role in the freedom movement of the country. Shaheed-e-Azam, Bhagat Singh and his comrades did not believe on the philosophy of violence but registered their protest against the violent means adopted by the British to suppress the voice of freedom through peaceful means, especially under the leadership of Lala Lajpat Rai, who was killed while leading a protest against the Simon Commission, he added. The National Secular Forum organised a programmed at Bishnah in this connection. Amid slogans “Bhagat Singh Amar Rahein” “Inquilab Zindabad” “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, NSF members paid tributes to Bhagat Singh, Sukdev and Rajguru. Speaking on the occasion, Mohan Gupta, principal, ALBI School, Bishnah, appreciated the initiative taken by the NSF members to remember the martyrs who had sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the country. Vikas Sharma, state president of the NSF, said the sacrifices of such great revolutionaries could not be ignored, which had secured freedom for the country. “The heroic sprit of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukdev is an unfailing source of inspiration to the youth of the country,” he added. The BJP also organised a programme at its headquarters on the occasion. Shamsher Singh Manhas, BJP state president, remembering the supreme sacrifices of thousands of patriots, said: “Just remembering the martyrs once a year is not enough. Their principles and commitment towards the motherland should be a source of inspiration for the youth and it is only possible when they are in our minds every moment,” he added. |
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NEWSMAKERS MAKE THE DAY FOR TRIBUNE
Jammu, March 23 Jammu Tribune is a special daily all-colour pullout with special emphasis on local news of Jammu city and its environs. State Cabinet Ministers, leaders of various political parties, intellectuals, office-bearers of professional organisations and a large number of Army officers, both serving and retired, were seen rubbing shoulders with each other at the function. Prominent guests were Usha Vohra, First Lady; Amrit Malhotra, Chairman, Legislative Council; Devinder Rana, Political Adviser to the Chief Minister; Abdul Rahim Rather, Minister for Finance and Planning; Taj Mohiudhin, Minister for PHE; RS Chib, Minister for Medical Education; Sham Lal Sharma, Minister for Health; Ghulam Hassan Mir, Minister for Agriculture; Abdul Gani Malik, Minister for Higher Education; and SS Slathia, Minister for Industries. Kuldeep Khoda, Director General of Police; Prof MPS Ishar, Vice-Chancellor, Jammu University; and John Samuel, Chief Post Master General, J&K Circle, were also present. Brig JS Gulati; Col AK Mathur of 26 Infantry Division; Col NP Arora; Lt Col VK Singh; Lt Col Rajesh Kalia, Public Relations Officer, Northern Command; SN Acharaya, Public Relations Officer, Defence Ministry, Jammu; and JS Oberoi, DIG, BSF, were also in attendance. Theatre artiste Balwant Thakur, Sahitya Akademy Awardee Lalit Magotra, sculptor Ravinder Jamwal and Gujjar leader Dr Javed Rahi made up for personalities from the field of arts. Naresh Padha, Registrar, Jammu University; Dr Meenakshi Kilam, Director, Distance Education, Jammu University; Dr Jaspal Warwal, Co-ordinator, Distance Education; Prof MK Khushoo, Head, Agronomy Department, SKUAST; Gambhir Charak, Principal, Dogra Higher Secondary School; Maruti Sharma, Chairman University of Life; Devinder Magotra, Additional General Manager, J&K Bank; Dr Arun Sharma, Medical Superintendent; Dr KK Sharma from Government Ayurvedic Hospital were prominent educationists and doctors at the function. RTI activists and social workers were represented by Bhushan Parimoo, Balvinder Singh, Raman Sharma, Akram Khan and Ravi Razdan. Guest-speak “We really needed a national newspaper with local flavour. Jammu Tribune will provide a blend of both local and national news to local people. Hope the newspaper does well in the future.” — Sham Lal Sharma, Minister for Health “Over the years, the readership of English newspapers and magazines has increased. As such, the initiative will provide them with a better reading option.” — RS Chib, Minister for Medical and Technical Education “Jammu Tribune will give a new dimension to the way news is presented, as a national newspaper is not expected to be biased. We hope to get a fair coverage of events everyday.” — Ashok Khajuria, MLA, Jammu East “Jammu Tribune will focus more on local news. It will give a better option and a new flavour to the readers of the region.” — Meenakshi Kilam, Director, Distance Education “I have studied in Chandigarh. The Tribune was like an addiction to me in those days. After shifting to Jammu, I missed the way local news was covered. But Jammu Tribune will bring the good old days back, as I will get to read local news everyday.” Dr Shabab Angurana, oncologist, Government Medical College, Jammu “We are expecting the best from Jammu Tribune, as it will provide us a new perspective on local issues. Wish all the best to Jammu Tribune.” — Dr MK Khushu, Head, Department of Agronomy, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences “The temple city will now get a considerable space in a national daily. I hope it will help cater to the needs of varied readership.” — Maruti Sharma, owner, private educational institute
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Gujjar jewellery a
hit
Jammu, March 23 Dr Javaid Rahi, chief editor, Gojri, said among other exhibits, rare jewellery, costumes, artifacts and objects of daily use attracted the visitors. “Old mehal, designs of seri, merida, kangan, teweetri, dollara, punjh lada and other jewellery items attracted the women folk. We have showcased our multicoloured ethos here in the heart of Jammu city in a big and innovative way,” said Dr Rahi. He said the response from the state, especially from Jammu city, was not only encouraging but also beyond expectations. The other attractions were folk instruments, art and craft, folk-heritage and painting exhibition showcasing the life of the Gujjars. NGOs which participated in the fair included Gurjardesh Charitable Trust, Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, Majlis-un Nissa, Sopore, Kashmir and Abrol Manuscripts and Rare Book Library, Jammu. |
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Teachers’ body to hold sit-in
Jammu, March 23 The association contended that arrears had already been released to all government colleges but not the universities of Jammu and Kashmir. The sit-in will be held outside the old VC’s office. — TNS |
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Natrang artistes get national scholarships for theatre
Jammu, March 23 The award carries Rs 12,600 per annum, which the artistes will continue to receive till they attain the age of 20. Gopi Sharma excelled in these plays and performed remarkably well which made him to reach to this national recognition at such a young age. Kritika Bhau is a student of class IX of Maharaja Hari Singh ACS, Nagbani, and has been associated with Natrang for the past five years. She has been performing regularly in children plays at Natrang. Her lead performance in plays “Andher Nagri Chopat Raja”, “Kichdi”, and “Main Aisa Kyon, Main Vaisa Kyon”, placed her among the top-ranking young performers and she easily qualified the national scholarship. Sumeet Sharma, who heads the youth wing of Natrang and conducted all children theatre camps of Natrang, had trained Gopi and Kritika. Balwant Thakur complimented both the prodigies for bringing laurels to the state and also appreciated their parents for encouraging them to excel in the field of theatre.
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Queen Blues win women T-20 tourney
Jammu, March 23 For Queen Reds, Asha, Payal and Naina scalped a wicket each. In reply, Queen Reds were cruising along nicely but faltered in the final moments to lose the battle. The team managed 100 runs losing three wickets in the process. Naina and Payal were the notable scorers with 28 and 26 runs, respectively. For Queen Blues, Isha was the wrecker-in-chief with two wickets whereas Neeru clinched one wicket. Anju was adjudged woman of the tournament. Woman of the match award went to Rupali. The tournament was organised by the J&K Police. |
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Mystery shrouds guard’s death
Jammu, March 23 The police said Surinder was working with Batta Securities and was found dead under mysterious circumstances. The preliminary reports suggested that the deceased could have consumed poison. “Investigations are on to establish the exact cause of the death,” the police said.
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Teenager kidnapped in Kathua
Jammu, March 23 The police said an FIR had been registered against the alleged kidnappers and investigations were on. “We have launched a manhunt to search the girl. No arrests have been made so far in this regard,” the police said.
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2 held with 540 Corex bottles
Jammu, March 23 The police said it laid down a special naka at Reshamghar colony and intercepted a Maruti car. During the frisking of the vehicle, 540 bottles of Corex were recovered. —
TNS
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Source of drinking water
Pollution comes to the river in various forms. For one, the city uses the river as a sink for direct discharge of sewage. Second, its banks have been denuded of vegetation, which causes erosion. To complete the choking, people have even encroached upon the riverbed as the water discharge in the river varies drastically over the seasons.
The general population has to be made aware of the need to keep the river clean.
