Polluted Barsati River Flowing into Maa Ganga Raises Serious Public Health Concerns

Haridwar (13 June 2026): A ground inspection of the seasonal (Barsati) river originating near Bilkeshwar Temple and merging with Maa Ganga near Dam Kothi has revealed alarming levels of pollution, raising serious concerns ahead of the monsoon season.

The water channel, which passes through one of Haridwar’s most sacred and tourist-rich areas, is filled with plastic waste, food packaging, garbage and dense vegetation. With the arrival of monsoon rains, a significant portion of this waste is likely to be washed directly into the Ganga.

Pilgrims May Be Bathing in Polluted Water

The stretch is surrounded by several renowned ashrams and premium hotels, including luxury properties that have private ghats for devotees and guests. If the polluted stream is mixing with the Ganga at this point, thousands of pilgrims and tourists taking holy dips could unknowingly be entering contaminated water.

This raises critical questions regarding:

* Water quality monitoring at private and public ghats.
* Regular cleaning of the Barsati river channel.
* Waste management by nearby establishments.
* Environmental compliance by local authorities.

Environmental Threat Before Monsoon

The photographs from the site show:

* Large quantities of plastic and solid waste dumped along the riverbed.
* Slow-moving polluted water surrounded by overgrown vegetation.
* Garbage accumulation beneath trees and along embankments.
* The polluted stream flowing towards its confluence with Maa Ganga.

If immediate action is not taken, the monsoon could carry tonnes of waste into the holy river, further impacting aquatic life, river ecology and public health.

Public Demands Immediate Action

Environmentalists and local residents have urged the Municipal Corporation, Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board, Ganga authorities and district administration to:

* Conduct an immediate inspection.
* Remove accumulated garbage from the riverbed.
* Test water quality near the confluence.
* Identify sources of pollution and prevent further dumping.
* Ensure that pilgrims and tourists are not exposed to contaminated water.

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