Uttar Pradesh: Origin of algal bloom to be traced

VARANASI: Taking note of the mushrooming algal blooms in the Ganga that have put a green blanket on the river stream and raised fears of harmful effect to aquatic life, the district administration has started an extensive survey to find out its origin.
District magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma has set up a high-powered five-member team to look into the matter and submit a detailed report by June 10 after environmentalists expressed concern over the appearance of algae in abundance in Ganga water, which may cause harm to aquatic life of the river.
The DM said, “The team will go on a voyage in the boat of Jal Police in search of the source of the algae. The team will also examine how algal blooms covered the stretch of Ganga along the ghats. The algae first appeared around 15-20 days ago, which was examined by the officials of the Pollution Control Board.
“It became visible again in the Ganga water in the last three-four days,” said the DM.
The team consists of additional city magistrate (II), regional officer of UP Pollution Control Board, assistant commissioner of police (Dashashwamedh), executive engineer of Bandhi Prakhand and general manager of Ganga Pollution Control Unit. The DM has asked the team to submit its report with all details along with photographs and videos.
However, according to environmental scientists, it might have come from some side drains or stagnant sources during recent rainfall. It will disappear with increasing flow of water. The UPPCB officials also claimed that it would have come to Varanasi from the upstream of the river.
Noted environment scientist and chairman of Malviya Ganga Research Centre at Banaras Hindu University Prof. BD Tripathi said, “It will disappear with increasing flow of water. If the condition persists for a longer duration, it may cause fish mortality. Normally, neurotoxin-microcystin is produced by these algae which may be harmful to other aquatic animals.”
A scientist of the Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, BHU, Dr. Kripa Ram said, “The algae grows due to increased nutrients in the water. During rain, these algae flow to the river from fertile lands. After getting adequate nutrients, they start the process of photosynthesis. Phosphate, sulphur and nitrate are the nutrients that help the algae grow.”
President of Sankat Mochan Foundation and noted environmental scientist Prof. Vishwambharnath Mishra said that the ecology of the Ganga is being disturbed for commercial gains, which will create serious problems in future.
“The construction of a platform in Ganga near Lalita Ghat has obstructed the flow of water. Due to the growth of algae in the upstream of Lalita Ghat, the colour of water has turned green. The presence of abundant algae in Ganga’s water is not good for people’s health,” he added.
Meanwhile, raising these issues, a local lawyer Saurabh Tiwari, has also filed a petition at the National Green Tribunal on June 4 seeking intervention of the apex green watchdog into the matter.