Members of Harmu Nadi Bachao Abhiyan Samiti perform puja on the banks of the dying Harmu rivulet in Ranchi on Tuesday. Pictures by Hardeep Singh

Ganga Dussehra, the Hindu festival that marks goddess Ganga’s arrival on earth, was celebrated by Ranchi residents on Tuesday beside the dying Harmu rivulet with a pledge to not kill any more rivers.

At a function organised by intellectuals and citizens under the banner of Harmu Nadi Bachao Abhiyan Samiti, around 250 participants gathered near the mucky stretch, traditionally worshipped it and then vowed to initiate a movement to preserve rivers, green lungs and natural drains.

It is a well-known fact that low-lying Harmu, fed by hundreds of natural drains, started dying when people started filling the drains to claim the land for construction. Once drains vanished, Harmu stopped receiving water.

Governor Syed Ahmed, who had been invited, could not make it, because he had had to go to Koderma to review development work. But, he sent a message for the city residents.

“I am happy to learn city intellectuals want to create awareness among residents about environment preservation. The entire world is now passing through ecological crisis. If we continue to neglect it, our future generations wouldn’t get a healthy planet to live in,” the governor’s message was read out.

Tourism and civil aviation secretary Sajal Chakraborty, invited at the event, said natural drains in Ranchi were fast getting blocked because of houses without proper plans.

“Residents don’t love their city. They take pleasure in dirtying the city, destroying natural drains and greenery. If such apathy continues, the city will turn into hell soon,” Chakraborty said.

He also suggested Team India Captain M.S. Dhoni, Ranchi’s most famous son, to bat for “creating love among residents for their own city”.

“I have spoken to Ajsu leader Sudesh Mahto. I’ve suggested him to get his friend Dhoni to come and instil love among residents for their city,” Chakraborty said.

“No civic body can save rivers without the cooperation of the people,” deputy mayor Sanjeev Vijayvargiya said.

Ganga Dussehra is celebrated traditionally across the state in rivers such as Subernarekha, Ajay, Shankh, Gopikander, Koel, Damodar, Tajna, Kharkai and more.

In recent years, representatives of NGOs such as Vikas Bharti Bishunpur and Citizen Foundation are taking the lead and inviting residents to save rivers and rivulets from pollution.

“We are running the movement to save Harmu rivulet for the past three years. But, we haven’t been able to achieve much success as residents do not join us in as great numbers as they should,” admitted Ashok Bhagat, convener of Harmu Nadi Bachao Abhiyan and secretary of Vikas Bharti Bishunpur.

In Jamshedpur, the condition of Subernarekha and Kharkai is healthier. Subernarekha, this monsoon, is hyacinth-free. Rains have flushed away Kharkai hyacinths. Though Jamshedpur and Mango notified area committees. However, watchdog bodies need to be more vigilant about industrial effluents in the rivers.