An Insight into an Important Waterline of Western Uttar Pradesh-River Kali (East)

An important source of running water in Western Uttar Pradesh, River Kali (East) originating from Village Antwada, Muzaffarnagar; passes through many important cities of the Western Uttar Pradesh like Meerut, Bulandshehar, Aligarh, Ghaziabad and finally Kannauj where it meets River Ganga after covering a course of almost 300 kms. This is thus, as well a major tributary to the Holy River Ganga.

The river had been a major source of water for domestic as well as irrigational purposes since ages unknown through the cities it passes till around two decades ago. The running water in the river course was also popular for being a cure for the dry cough (Kali Khasi) and thus called Kali, but at present the river justifies its name as the water flowing through the course of the river is nothing better than that of a sewer drain. It is completely black in colour and is a shame in the name of a fresh water source.

The river in the past was also known as Nagin (the female snake) due to the kind of the course that it follows. It follows a very zigzag course which is pretty unique to this river. This is another reason why the river is named Kali as the nagin found in the region are normally black in colour. Shri Sukhpal Singh of Village Antwada proudly announces that his forefathers named the river Kali Nagin around a century ago and gradually became popular as only Kali.

River Kali (East) today exhibits a perfect example of industrial pollution and violation of the minimum standards set legally to be followed for water to be drained into the fresh water source like a river. The river is accommodating over 100 industries throughout its course. Moreover another bane to this is in the form of domestic sewer lines falling into the river untreated.

At present, the river water is having toxic chemicals which are harmful not only for consuming at home, for drinking but also for irrigation purposes. The river was an important asset to the region about two decades ago is now nothing but an obligation on the residents of the region affecting them socially and economically, proving to be a health hazard. The situation is nothing but a pity and needs serious and immediate attention.

The river needs to be revived back to being usable for all different purposes as a freshwater source. For this humble and noble cause, the government aland non - governmental organisations have to work together involving the masses in order to bring about a difference.