HARIDWAR: The rising air pollution in the city which is attributed to several factors like vehicular smoke, emissions from industries and the most rampant -- open burning of garbage and dry leaves in many parts of the city -- is steadily taking a toll on the tourism business in the holy city. Hotels, restaurants and other tourism industry stakeholders admit that during the past few years, pilgrims and tourists visiting the city have been affected by the rising air pollution. "I estimate that in the last 5-6 years, there has been a 30-35 per cent fall in tourist numbers in Haridwar. Many tourists now spend only a limited time in Haridwar and then turn towards Rishikesh or other places where the air is a little better and the areas more clean," says SumitSrikunj, a travel agent.
Those who have lived in Haridwar for many years say the situation is worrisome because the city is regarded as one of the holiest in the country and had been known for its serene and peaceful atmosphere. "Earlier, it was possible to sit for hours near the Har-ki-Pauri and enjoy the serenity of the Ganga ghats, but now it is simply not possible to do so. There are heaps of open garbage lying at several places and with winters approaching, these heaps are often lit causing unwarranted pollution," says Shiv Sharma who has lived in the city since the last three decades.
Open burning of garbage is not an uncommon sight in Haridwar. In the absence of a proper system of garbage disposal, many people and institutions find it the easiest way to dispose of trash. A resident near the Har-ki-Pauri who did not wish to be named said that clothes left at the ghats by pilgrims in great quantity are often burnt in the open. Dharamshalas, hotels and ashram also resort to this practice at times, she alleged.
Purushottam Sharma Gandhivadi, president of the Ganga Sabha, which is responsible for the upkeep of the Har-ki-Pauri denied that clothes left at the ghats as "per tradition" are burnt in the open. He said that they are "collected in drums by our employees and then handed over to the nagarnigam sweepers." However, he acknowledged that "the Ganga Sabha can play a more active role in creating awareness about air pollution."
With the general consensus being that the occupancy in hotels has seen a dip in numbers primarily due to the pollution problem, it's time that other stakeholders also come forward to take the initiative to put an end to the most visible forms of air pollution like the open burning of waste -- which can be easily curbed -- and also put pressure on district officials to ensure that this practice is put to an end in the city.
