THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Dec 15: Jamshedpur West MLA and patron of Yugantar Bharti, Saryu Roy, emphasized that the origins of the Damodar and Swarnarekha rivers, located at Salgi and Nagdi respectively, should be developed as prominent tourist destinations. He urged the government to put these places on India’s tourism map by giving them special attention.
Speaking at Yugantar Bharti’s annual general meeting, Roy highlighted the urgent need to develop Nagdi as an ideal administrative unit. He also suggested organizing more cultural activities in both Salgi and Nagdi to attract attention and support.
Roy expressed concern over the growing urbanization in Jharkhand, where 32% of the population now resides in cities. While he does not oppose urban living, he criticized the government for failing to address increasing urban problems. He further pointed out that rivers are becoming polluted due to the expansion of cities. “I’ve been warning about this for years, and now we see the truth. Whether it’s the Swarnarekha, Kharkai, or Harmu rivers, their conditions have worsened,” he remarked.
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To address environmental concerns, Roy proposed launching a weekly program called “Paryavaran Pathshala” on Yugantar News’ YouTube channel. He suggested this initiative to Yugantar Bharti President Anshul Sharan, adding that the organization must connect more youth to its mission. Apart from river conservation, Roy urged the organization to tackle broader environmental issues with seriousness and dedication.
A Look Back and Forward: Yugantar Bharti’s Journey
Earlier in the meeting, Yugantar Bharti President Anshul Sharan presented a report on the organization’s accomplishments in 2024, including key initiatives such as environmental awareness campaigns, the Swarnarekha Mahotsav, Damodar Mahotsav, and World Environment Day celebrations. He outlined plans for 2025, highlighting upcoming events such as:
- Swarnarekha Mahotsav (to be held at Nagri, Hundru, Jonha, Muri, Chandil, and Jamshedpur between January 12–14)
- Water Day (March 22)
- Earth Day (April 22)
- Biodiversity Day (May 22)
- World Environment Day and Damodar Mahotsav (Ganga Dussehra) (June 5)
Sharan invited public suggestions to ensure the success of these events.
Concerns Raised by Experts and Environmentalists
Retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Sanjay Ranjan Singh delivered a sobering message, stating that rivers are dying due to human negligence and warned of dire consequences for civilization if they are not revived. Referring to Harmu, which once flowed as a river but is now reduced to sewage, he stressed the importance of mobilizing youth for this movement, starting with outreach to schools.
Renowned environmentalist Prof. M.K. Jamuar called for more inclusive participation in environmental efforts, emphasizing the need to document and address emerging concerns like air pollution. He also suggested establishing Eco Clubs in schools to engage students in conservation activities.
Ashutosh Rai, Trustee of the Swarnarekha Area Development Trust, provided an overview of the trust’s initiatives in Jamshedpur, while Ashok Goyal, Chief Trustee, concluded the event with a vote of thanks.
Attendees and Participants
The meeting witnessed the participation of environmentalists and representatives from various districts of Jharkhand, including key figures such as Yugantar Bharti Secretary Ashish Sheetal, Dr. Jyoti Prakash, social worker Dharmendra Tiwari, and others like Ganesh Reddy, Tapeshwar Keshari, Anand Kumar, Ramanuj Shekhar, and Balkrishna Singh.
The gathering demonstrated the collective resolve to address critical environmental issues, preserve Jharkhand’s rivers, and engage the next generation in these vital efforts.