The IITians for Holy Ganga , a forum constituted to preserve heritage and ecology of the river Ganga by Alumni of All IIT's across the country have appreciated and extended full support to the commitment shown by lakhs of participants of Yamuna Bachao Andolan marching towards Delhi on foot from Vrindavan for last one week.
"We extend full support to Thousands of people, led by saints and activists from Braj region, continued with their foot-march demanding release of water from a reservoir in Haryana into the "dying" Yamuna river. Both the holy rivers Ganga and Yamuna are the life source of region and also a powerful symbol of cultural and spiritual renewal. The minimum ecological flows of the rivers ensuring water quality and environmentally sustainable development should be maintained "said Yatinder Pal Suri, President ,IITIANS FOR Holy Ganga Forum and President, IIT Kharagpur Alumni Association.
"We suggest to maintain regular flow in the river and remove blockages on its streams. Surprisingly, all the politicians of ruling and opposition parties, saints and seers, social activists, scientists and individuals speak about uninterrupted and clean flow of the Ganga, and Yamuna but the rivers is getting thinner and more polluted with each passing day. The question is "why is the holy rivers ailing when everybody is eager to see them healthy?" However, this question remains unanswered."Mr Suri added.
"Both river Ganga and Yamuna are deeply associated with the faith and civilization of the country should be saved at any cost. We appeal to the government at centre and the concerned states to save "the sacred rivers. Various schemes started by centre and States in last few years have left both the rivers more polluted" , Said Paritosh Tyagi , Spokesperson of the forum .
Our demands include include setting up of a commission to look into the problems plaguing the rivers and a Ganga Yamuna river policy and find a system to separate rivers and the sewers. No encroachment, no mining. Halt to all ongoing excessive dam projects and allowing regular free flow.