Birgunj:The campaign to clean and control pollution in the Sirsiya River in Birgunj has been intensified targeting the Chhath festival.
According to National News Agency RSS, the initiative has been actively led by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, prioritizing the cleaning of the Sirsiya River, controlling industrial pollution, and focusing on environmental conservation. Industries have been instructed to cease the discharge of chemical-laden effluents and untreated polluted water into the river.
The government, along with concerned bodies and local levels, has become active in ensuring the river is clean for devotees to perform puja and arghya rituals in a hygienic environment during the Chhath festival. On October 31, the Department of Industry instructed industries not to discharge untreated wastewater, with plans for joint monitoring and inspections. A meeting on November 1, chaired by Chief District Officer Bhola Dahal, resulted in a five-point decision for pollution control and waste management in the Sirsiya River.
The meeting emphasized the operation of wastewater treatment centers at full capacity and explored the feasibility of a common treatment center for smaller industries. It also included plans to prevent municipal sewage from entering the river and the establishment of a conservation fund with government participation for long-term river conservation.
The government had previously fined 12 industries for environmental violations, totaling Rs 12 million. The current efforts aim for long-term pollution control of the Sirsiya River. Regular industry monitoring and legal actions against violators are part of the strategy to create a clean environment for the festival and preserve the river’s natural state and public health.