Centre promises restoration of "ecological flow" in Yamuna

NEW DELHI: From the Centre, thousands of Yamuna Muktikaran Abhiyan (YMA) protesters, who had been camping in Delhi since Friday , were on their way back to Mathura and other parts of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday . The Centre has promised that the “ecological flow“ in Yamuna downstream of Delhi will be restored.

On Sunday , Union home minister Rajnath Singh and environment minister Prakash Javadekar met four activists from the group and assured them that ecological flow will be ensured under the Environment Protection Act, activists said. The Centre reportedly asked for two months' time to address some “legal hurdles“ after which a minimum flow can be assured.

Union minister of communication and IT Ravi Shankar Prasad was also sent by the government to Jantar Mantar to appease the protesters.

Meanwhile, the protesters said they were relieved and wanted to celebrate as soon as they reach Mathura. “We met Rajnath Singh at his residence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent his secretary Nripendra Misra, and environment minister Prakash Javadekar was also consulted on this,“ said Ravi Monga, a core committee member of YMA.

“At present, Yamuna is being used like a channel to carry sewage. We suggested that the sewage be withdrawn in a separate canal and at the same time natural fresh water flow be arranged. The Centre also agreed that a parallel canal will be built,“ Monga added.

“We get only sewage and industrial waste. People often drink it because they consider it holy. It's high time the government does something for Yamuna,“ said Radhika Bhardwaj, a protester.