Shramdaan drive launched for Conservation of Swarnarekha River

Pioneer News Service
Ranchi

A symbolic shramdaan (voluntary labour) campaign aimed at the conservation and cleanliness of the Swarnarekha river was launched on Sunday from the premises of the Ikkisi Mahadev Temple along the riverbank in Chutia.

The initiative, organised under the leadership of the Swarnarekha Renovation Committee and Ward No. 13 councillor Pawan Tirkey, saw participation from representatives of various social, religious and educational organisations, along with academicians, public representatives and local residents.

Participants described the Swarnarekha as the lifeline of Jharkhand and collectively resolved to work towards its preservation and rejuvenation. Speakers emphasised that a river is not merely a water body but a vital source of culture, faith, environment and the future of coming generations, making its protection a shared social responsibility.

Committee president Makhan Pathak expressed serious concern over rising pollution levels, stating that nearly 45 MLD of contaminated water, sewage and waste is flowing into the Swarnarekha daily through the Harmu river. He demanded the installation of a sewage treatment plant with adequate capacity or alternative arrangements to prevent untreated waste from entering the river. He warned that without timely intervention, the Swarnarekha could deteriorate into a drain.

Councillor Pawan Tirkey said the river is akin to a mother and maintaining its cleanliness and uninterrupted flow is a moral duty of society. Kailash Keshari of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad noted that pollution is affecting not only the environment but also the religious sentiments of people.

Suraj Mahto and Janak Mahto of the Daridra Narayan Bhoj Committee raised concerns about the condition of water bodies in the Chutia area and called for their protection. Bajrang Dal coordinator Vikram Sahu assured active participation in awareness and conservation efforts.

A large number of youths and members of various organisations took part in the campaign. Citizens were urged to dedicate at least half an hour every week towards cleaning and conserving the river. The committee stated that the awareness drive would continue to encourage wider public participation in making the Swarnarekha clean and pollution-free.