New Delhi, June 4: THE solution of cleaning up Yamuna will not be found until a separate channel was to carry waste water was created, said Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) chairman Dilip Biswas.

Speaking at the Environment Awareness Meet, Biswas said that the waste water, after being treated should be used for irrigation instead of being released into the river. Every river had some capacity to regenerate, but Yamuna had lost this power, he added. According to Biswas, the failure of the Ganga Action Plan should be a learning experience.

Other speakers at the meet included senior CPCB scientist RC Trivedi, Delhi’s slum commissioner Manjeet Singh, journalist Rahul Dev, Prof M.H. Quereshi from the Centre for Study of Rural Development and JNU’s Prof V. Subrarnaniarn. Prof Quereshi said that that was connected with water and that was the reason why all civilisations evolved around rivers. "If we do not protect river water we will not be able to protect our I selves," Prof Qureshi said. He also said that the last two world wars had been fought for petroleum but the next one would he for water. Rahul Dev spoke on how youth could be harnessed to mobilise efforts for cleaning the Yamuna. The Environment Awareness Meet was being organised a day before the World Environment Day on June 5 to spread awareness and find solutions about the pollution levels in the river Yamuna.

It was jointly organised by NGOs We for Yamuna and the Society for Environmental Awareness and Rehabilitation of Child and Handicapped. On the World Environment Day. Delhi will witness seminars. discussions, debates, screening of wildlife films among others.

New Deihi, June 4: The efforts on the Yamuna front continued for the fourth consecutive day today with groups of students, non-governmental organisations and volunteers led by the Chief Minister, Ms. Sheila Dikshit, and her Cabinet colleagues continuing their crusade to not only clean the river but also spread awareness among citizens about he advantages of a clean Yamuna flowing through the Capital.

The commitment of the Delhi Government to carry forward the good work is expected to get a boost as a number of environment and pollution related programmes have been lined up for Tuesday, the World Environment Day in addition to this, the Government has told the Environment Department to come out with a status paper on "Banks of River Yamuna". The Delhi Government is also planning to hold consultations with the Union Urban Development Ministry on how to go about restoring the glorious past of the Yamuna.

The MCD has also been doing a splendid job with its officials personally monitoring the entire operation. The back up support from the MCD has been unprecedented. Loads of trucks filled with filth, garbage, plastic bags and weeds have been driving past the seven points identified for the clean Yamuna operation during the past four days without a break. Tonnes of garbage has been lifted by MCD personnel and sent to landfill sites. Also, it has extended a helping hand as far as logistics are concerned. They have provided all the raw material and equipment needed for this effort. "The MCD has been very forthcoming in lending a helping hand in the entire operation which needs to be commended," the Delhi Chief Minister remarked.

The MCD officials said maximum garbage has been lifted from the CNG Station, Metcalf House area, which is under the supervision of the Transport Minister, Mr. Parvez Hashmi. The Minister, with the help of volunteers and students, has been doing a tremendous job. About 38 trucks of garbage were lifted from this sector alone today by MCD personnel. The number was even higher on Monday. Mr. Hashmi has made it a point to stay put in the area from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. to set an example for others. "It is high time the citizens of the city realise how important the survival of Yamuna is. They should join hands in saving the river as it is the lifeline of the city," Mr. Hashmi added. Similarly, students, teachers, professors and NGOs have also been on the forefront of the cleaning operation.

The students of JNU and their professors have done a tremendous job in the whole exercise and have made their presence known. The young group of students belonging to "We for Yamuna" outfit have also been dedicatedly engaged in the cleaning operation at the Qudisia Ghat and other points. They have been ably supported by volunteers of the Delhi Bird Club.