Citizens of all ages march to save four polluted rivers
MUMBAI: Environmentally conscious citizens from different parts of the city undertook the River March 2016 on Sunday to identify the pollution problems at four rivers – Dahisar, Poisar, Mithi and Oshiwara – and highlight measures that can be taken.
According to organisers, close to 4,000 Mumbaiites were part of the march that commenced from Rustomjee School Ground, Dahisar (West), while 3,000 people made their way to Bandrakurla Complex (BKC) near Mithi, Our Lady of Remedy High School, Borivli (West) for Poisar and City International School, near Oshiwara on Sunday morning.
“In a first, this was one of the largest environmental movements that required voluntary participation. Citizens from all age groups and various parts of the city came together with placards, banners and messages highlighting one cause — to rejuvenate rivers that have become nullahs,” said Avinash Kubal, deputy director, Maharashtra Nature Park at Mahim, who coordinated the march.
Kubal said while people from various corporate houses had come down to support the cause around Mithi river, politicians, too, walked at locations like Dahisar and Poisar.
“Over the years, we have become used to the stench emanating from these rivers because we shield ourselves within concrete buildings. The time has come to create a ripple effect to alert authorities and it can only happen through the masses,” said Alok Sharma, a Vile Parle resident, who was part of the march at Mithi.
Shubha Raul, former mayor of Mumbai, said, “When there is public involvement in any activity, the progress towards
achieving the goal becomes faster. The massive attendance on Sunday goes to show citizens love for rejuvenating their rivers and that they demand a change.”
Water conservationist Rajendra Singh, popularly known as the waterman of India,
led the march from Dahisar identifying different sections of the river that were polluted, the causes and the likely solutions.
“There are a lot of encroachments that are deteriorating the water quality, which is a common problem at all four river embankments. The apathy from citizens and the government has allowed this to continue. We must start taking action by setting up projects such as implementing effluent treatment plants, biogas plants etc. to change the current scenario,” he said.