Devithans are shrouded in rituals and myths but serve as an important institution to preserve springs. While religious sentiments sometimes get in the way, development around them continues.
Altering cropping patterns and improving water management processes are better ways for the state to deal with drought than experimenting with inconclusive science.
The monsoons regularly lead to road blocks and panicking pilgrims being airlifted out of Garhwal. Can this repeated narrative change especially since the Char Dham isn't an ancient practice at all?
The Central Water Commission studied 355 water quality stations and 32 gauge stations covering all river basins in the country. Only mercury and zinc levels were within BIS acceptable standards.