New Delhi

Waterman opposes Metro depot on Yamuna bank

NEW DELHI: Describing the ongoing constructions on the flood plains of the Yamuna as “development with destruction”, Magsaysay Award winner water conservation expert Rajinder Singh has urged the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to spare a thought for the river and the people that it is supposed to sustain. The DMRC has been given the go-ahead to construct a depot on the banks of the Yamuna.

Mr. Singh, who met DMRC Managing Director E. Sreedharan on Wednesday, said: “The river is already dying, and raising structures on its flood plains, which are vital for the recharge of water, will further deteriorate its condition.” “The consequences of building on the riverfront will not augur well for the city and its people,” said Mr. Singh, better known as Waterman for his water crusades in Rajasthan.

“During the meeting with Dr. Sreedharan,” he added, “we explained that if the riverbed has concrete banks on both sides, the recharge of water will become difficult.”

Mr. Singh, who has been actively campaigning against constructions along the Yamuna bed, said: “Dr. Sreedharan accepted that the river waters would be adversely affected by the presence of concrete banks, but was unwilling to commit whether any action will be taken by them. He did, however, mention that the work is vital for the country’s growth and that there are monetary constraints to be considered.”

Pointing out that the essential utility should be given preference over money, Mr. Singh said: “If the choice is between money and water, it is water that should get priority. Money cannot replace drinking water. Development at the cost of environment cannot be sustained.”

Seeking details of the steps being undertaken to save the rivers, Mr. Singh said: “We want the Government to come clean on what is being done to save the river. We want Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to tell the people what is in store for the rivers of this country when he addresses the nation on August 15.”

Responding to the concerns raised over the ongoing construction of the Yamuna depot, the DMRC officials said they have received permission in 2005 from the Yamuna Standing Committee following a study by the Central Water and Power Research Station of Pune.

“To maintain the smooth flow of the river, a guide barrage is being constructed, this will not stop the water, but is being constructed for the safety of the depot. The DMRC construction will not have any negative effect on the Yamuna. There will be sewage and effluent treatment plants at the depot for cleaning the water entering the river. We will also ensure that soap, oil and chemicals released after washing trains are not drained out into the Yamuna,” said a DMRC official.

This explanation has, however, failed to pacify the Waterman. “We are appalled that while policies to save the rivers are being drafted, indiscriminate destruction of the rivers is being carried out in the garb of development.”

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