Araria: The Araria district administration has decided to intensify measures to protect and clean the district’s rivers while also exploring plans to develop Mirganj Ghat and Trishulia Ghat on the Parman river as dolphin viewing points and eco-tourism destinations.The decision was taken at a meeting of the District Ganga Committee chaired by district magistrate Vinod Duhan on Saturday. The meeting reviewed issues related to preventing and controlling environmental pollution in rivers, implementation of the Namami Gange programme, sustainable water flow, river cleaning and beautification.Duhan asked officials to identify wholesale dealers selling banned single-use plastic and take punitive action against them. He also ordered regular raids and directed officials to submit monthly reports on the action taken.The administration will launch awareness campaigns to discourage the use of single-use plastic bags and prevent dumping of solid waste into rivers. Special campaigns will be conducted in riverbank areas, while banners, posters and wall paintings will spread awareness about keeping the river environment clean.For effective removal of garbage and other waste, the executive officer of Jogbani Municipal Council has been directed to submit a proposal for installing nets or making other suitable arrangements to trap floating waste.The meeting also directed executive officers of municipal bodies and panchayat areas to follow prescribed procedures for idol immersion so religious activities do not adversely affect river water quality.A proposal to develop Mirganj Ghat and Trishulia Ghat on the Parman river as dolphin viewing points and eco-tourism destinations was also discussed. The forest division, Araria, has been directed to inform the National Ganga Committee and initiate preparation of a detailed project report.Duhan also directed officials to conduct monthly water-quality tests and submit regular reports for review. Officials from departments concerned and municipal bodies attended the meeting.
