Gangtok: The scenic mountain beauty of the region is added and nurtured by the sacred waters of the Teesta River. It is the lifeline of Sikkim that flow in the entire length of the state carving out beautiful valleys across the Himalayan region. Sadly, though the tourists might still be able to derive the pleasure of the magnificent landscape, it might not be so with the magnificent and wild Teesta which is being polluted everyday.
The Central Pollution Control Board has brought out a report which states that the pollution level in the river is above the standard parameter i.e., 3mg/liter. The report was made on the basis of inputs received from the Monitoring of Indian Nation Aquatic Resources (MINARAS) located at nine strategic locations along the routes of the river. Efforts have been lacking to check the pollution rate.
According to the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), the main cause of the pollution is the direct dumping of wastes and garbage in the river. The dumping starts from Chungthang in North Sikkim and gradually increases as the Teesta flows through Gangtok, Ranipool, Singtam and Rangpo. Due to lack of adequate sewage treatment and waste management facilities the river is losing its natural balance and purity.
A top official of the SPCB said that, apart from the governments intiative, people should also cooperate and take active participation in restoring the ecological balance of the region. For the purpose awareness programs have been organized by SPCB all over Sikkim. The aim is to educate local people and students about the efforts to protect the natural ecology as responsible custodians of natural wealth.
The Central Pollution Control Board has brought out a report which states that the pollution level in the river is above the standard parameter i.e., 3mg/liter. The report was made on the basis of inputs received from the Monitoring of Indian Nation Aquatic Resources (MINARAS) located at nine strategic locations along the routes of the river. Efforts have been lacking to check the pollution rate.
According to the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), the main cause of the pollution is the direct dumping of wastes and garbage in the river. The dumping starts from Chungthang in North Sikkim and gradually increases as the Teesta flows through Gangtok, Ranipool, Singtam and Rangpo. Due to lack of adequate sewage treatment and waste management facilities the river is losing its natural balance and purity.
A top official of the SPCB said that, apart from the governments intiative, people should also cooperate and take active participation in restoring the ecological balance of the region. For the purpose awareness programs have been organized by SPCB all over Sikkim. The aim is to educate local people and students about the efforts to protect the natural ecology as responsible custodians of natural wealth.
