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Illegal colonies along the Ganga riverbank in Haridwar have emerged as a significant source of pollution, with local authorities flagging direct discharge of untreated waste into the river. The municipal body has written to the irrigation department seeking action against encroachments on government land, where basic sewage infrastructure is absent. These settlements reportedly release domestic and human waste into the river, undermining ongoing clean-up efforts. The issue highlights gaps in urban planning and enforcement, particularly in riverfront zones, and raises concerns over environmental compliance in unregulated housing clusters. Authorities are now considering coordinated action to address both encroachment and waste management failures.
Illegal colonies developed along the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar are contributing to rising pollution levels in the river, with local authorities flagging the direct discharge of untreated waste from these settlements and seeking intervention from state agencies. Advertisement
The issue was highlighted in the past week after the local municipal body formally wrote to the irrigation department, raising concerns over unauthorised colonies established on government land near the river. These settlements, lacking planned sewerage infrastructure, have been identified as a key source of pollution affecting water quality in the Ganga.
According to officials, residents of these colonies are discharging domestic waste, including human sewage, directly into the river. The absence of proper sanitation systems and drainage networks has resulted in untreated waste flowing into the Ganga, adding to the pollution load despite ongoing national and state-led clean-up initiatives.
The civic body has urged the irrigation department to take action against the encroachments, which fall under its jurisdiction, and to initiate measures for removal or regularisation of such developments. Authorities have also emphasised the need to establish proper waste management systems in these areas to prevent further environmental damage.
The presence of illegal settlements along riverbanks has been a recurring issue in Haridwar and surrounding regions, where rapid and unregulated urban expansion has outpaced infrastructure development. In many cases, colonies have been established without approvals, resulting in a lack of basic civic amenities such as sewage treatment and solid waste management.
Environmental concerns linked to such developments are significant, as untreated waste entering the river contributes to deteriorating water quality and affects aquatic ecosystems. The Ganga, which holds cultural and economic importance, continues to face pollution challenges from multiple sources, including urban discharge, industrial effluents and unplanned habitation along its banks.
Officials indicated that coordinated action between departments is required to address the issue, including enforcement against illegal construction, provision of sanitation infrastructure and stricter monitoring of waste disposal practices. The situation also underscores the need for stronger regulatory oversight in environmentally sensitive zones, particularly along riverfront areas.
The development highlights a broader challenge in balancing urban growth with environmental protection, especially in cities with high population pressures and limited land availability. Without adequate planning and enforcement, such settlements can continue to undermine large-scale river rejuvenation programmes and pose risks to public health.
Authorities are expected to take further steps in coordination with relevant departments to curb pollution from these colonies, while ensuring compliance with environmental norms and land-use regulations in the region.
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