(a) whether the environmental changes and pollution have caused ecological
degradation to the famous Gangotri, Yamunotri and Badrinath dhams;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to save the ecology of the region?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)
(a)&(b) Ministry is not aware of any such scientific reports relating to ecological degradation
in the famous Gangotri,Yamunotri and Badrinath dhams due to environmental change and pollution.
Only the water quality of Yamuna and Bhagirathi River at Yamunotri and Gangotri respectively had
been monitored by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) from the year 2009 to 2011. The water
quality at both the studied locations met the required criteria of Class ‘B’ i.e. water fit for
organized outdoor bathing except in the year 2009 when the presence of total coliforms in the
water exceeded the prescribed limit. This could be due to rains leading to surface runoff or
due to high number of pilgrims at the studied locations.The changes are also reported in the
form of glacier retreat in the region and growing pilgrimage without adequate infrastructure
support for waste disposal is imposing pressure on these areas. The Government is aware of
the incidence of melting of Himalayan glaciers. Discussion paper prepared by Ministry of
Environment & Forests (MoEF), Government of India, on Himalayan Glaciers provides the review
of information regarding the glacier retreat in the region, including Gangotri Glacier. Further,
G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development (GBPIHED) has undertaken studies on
Gangotri glacier retreat, silt load in the glacial melt and water quality of river Bhagirathi
originating from Gangotri glacier. A pilot study conducted by GBPIHED for MoEF entitled
“Environmental and social impacts of hydropower projects in river Ganga basis (between
Dharasu and Gangotri) in Uttarakhand†has indicated that the water quality parameters
are within the permissible limit of the Bureau of Indian Standards.
(c) Considering the ecological sensitivity of the region, several initiatives are taken to
protect the ecology of Indian Himalayan Region by the Govt. of India and Himalayan states
through the Mission on Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem under National Action Plan on Climate
Change and Himalayan Sustainable Development Forum (HSDF) under the Shimla Declaration adopted
during the Himalayan Chief Ministers’ Conclave held at Shimla on Oct 29-30, 2009. Uttarakhand
Forest Department undertakes Plantation activities in forest areas around the said Dhams.