|
A group of alumni from the different IITs have come together to set up a forum "IITians for Holy Ganga". The letter below explains the aims of the forum and why it has been set up. I hope that after reading it you will feel that you want to offer your support. I look forward to it.
IITians for Holy Ganga
Dear IIT Alumnus
You may be aware that Prof G D Agrawal, formerly Dean and HOD Civil at IITK, has been on fast-unto-death since 14 Jan 2009 in protest against the indiscriminate and ill-conceived hydro electric projects on the Ganga in its traverse through the Himalayas. The reason for his protest is not far to seek: the construction of these projects threatens the Ganga ecosystem in ways that are dangerous and alarming. They will drastically alter its flow pattern in such a way that as much as 60 km of the river bed of the 125 km route, from Gangotri to Uttarkashi, will run dry because the water has been diverted through tunnels to generate electricity. The leading environmentalists of India have opposed these projects as they threaten the ecology of the Ganga in the Himalayan region.
Gangaji is no ordinary river. She has been at the very core of this great and ancient Indian civilisation, and has been sacred for thousands of years. The legend of her arrival on earth is well known, a part of Indian folklore. Gangajal is found in most homes across the length and breadth of India: a few drops purify and make auspicious the venue of any puja or place of worship, and it is the last thing to be put in to the mouth of a deceased Hindu before cremation, to help him or her to achieve Moksha.
Yet, Gangaji is under threat like never before. Even the British, when they built the Ganges canal in colonial times, responded to protests and agreed never to completely block the natural flow channel. A part of the flow was diverted to the canal while the rest flowed unfettered and unimpeded. The Government of India, on the other hand, displays no such compunctions. Dams and tunnels are proposed to be built, affecting the Ganga in ways that are not completely understood, and which threaten its very survival as a perennial river.
Many IIT alumni are concerned. What has spurred us into urgent action is Prof Agrawal's fast-unto-death. We want to save Prof Agrawal's life. That is our immediate goal. For this, we have to persuade the Government to temporarily suspend work on the NTPC project at Loharinag Pala. The next step will be to increase awareness about the real issues, not just the technical ones, but covering the entire gamut, ranging from ecological issues, the needs and livelihoods of local people, the effect on the Ganga as a symbol of Hindu culture, economic viability and benefits of the projects, and other things which affect all the stakeholders. Only then must we proceed any further.
A small group of alumni of all the IITs has formed an action group with the name "IITians for Ganga". Now we want you to become involved. While the initiative was taken by the Delhi chapter of the IITK AA, others have joined. Firstly, we need you to educate yourself about the issues. Go to the website www.holyganga.org for information. Then, we hope you will support the cause, and contribute in whichever way you can, whether in terms of time, money or both.
With best regards
Krishen K Dhar
President, IITians For Holy Ganga
|
