Rapti River Pollution Crisis: Chemical Waste Turns Water Black In Gagaha; Groundwater Contaminated And Villagers Falling Ill

The water of the Rapti river, considered a symbol of faith and life-giving, has become polluted in the Gagaha area. Chemical-laden waste released from mills and industrial units has turned the river water in the riverine area black, sticky, and foul-smelling. People say that for months, the river water has appeared black and has had a pungent smell of chemicals. Local residents Jwala Tiwari, Raju Yadav, Satya Prakash Tiwari, Dinesh Pandey, Chandmaul Pandey, Sanjay Ojha, Rajan Ojha, Sant Prasad Dwivedi, Sanjay Mishra and others say that the Rapti river has now become toxic.

Groundwater Contamination And Health Risks

The foul smell from the river and the polluted water have created a health crisis in the surrounding villages. The situation is such that the groundwater has also been affected. Contaminated water is coming from handpumps in several villages. There are fears of falling ill from drinking it. Complaints of skin diseases, stomach-related illnesses, and infections are on the rise among children, women, and the elderly. Its direct impact is being seen in many villages, including Belkur, Bhainsaha, Rakhat, Garyakol, Asvanpar, Sahuakol, Pure and Chhapra.

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Impact On Wildlife And Increasing Mosquito Menace

It has now become difficult to pass along the banks of the Rapti river. The foul smell from the river has polluted the atmosphere. Animals and birds are also falling ill from drinking the contaminated water. Meanwhile, the death of fish has also disturbed the river's biological balance. The dirty water has also led to an increase in the mosquito population. This has created a risk of diseases like malaria and dengue.

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Villagers Demand Investigation And Cleaning

Villagers have demanded the immediate cleaning of the Rapti river, health check-up camps in the affected villages, and the establishment of a treatment plant along with strict monitoring by the pollution control board. They say that if this is not done in time, the pollution in the Rapti river will impact everyone. In this regard, an attempt was made to speak with Bansgaon SDM Pradeep Singh, but he could not be reached as he was in a meeting.