Obstruction in flow of Ganga won't be allowed: Uma Bharti

HARIDWAR: Nothing will be allowed to obstruct the flow of the Ganga or dirty its sacred waters, Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti today said.

"We will spare no effort to ensure that the river flows relentlessly. No construction along its banks or on the course of the river will be allowed to obstruct its flow," Bharti told reporters here.

Not even water treated at a water treatment plant will be allowed to flow into the river and pollute its sacred waters which she referred to as 'Brahma Dravya'.

She said an elaborate and effective plan is being prepared to clean the Ganga but it will be implemented only after holding consultations with representatives of the state.

To a question she said the interest of Uttarakhand will not be allowed to suffer and numerous job opportunities for locals will be created.

Asked to comment on Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati's controversial remarks on Sai Baba, the Union Minister said the Shankaracharya was a like a father figure to her but she had faith in Sai Baba who never claimed he was god.