Hon'ble Minister of Irrigation of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Shivpal Singhji at GAP Kumbh Camp
Today the honourable Minister for Irrigation of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Shivpal Singhji came to the Ganga Action Parivar camp at the Kumbha Mela. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, the Founder of Ganga Action Parivar (GAP) and President of Parmarth Niketan Ashram showed the honourable Minister several films which GAP has made on the urgent need for toilets, the benefits of solar energy and the current state of pollution in Mother Ganga. Deeply inspired by the film and by detailed discussions with Pujya Swamiji, the honourable Minister pledged that the State of Uttar Pradesh would construct eco-friendly bio-digester toilets — as per the model developed in the partnership between Ganga Action Parivar, DRDO and FICCI — along the banks of Ganga and Yamuna throughout Uttar Pradesh.
He pledged for a new vision for a Green Kashi and Green Prayag. The program, as discussed and developed today in conversation with Pujya Swami Chidanandji and other members of Ganga Action Parivar, will include the bio-digester toilets, utilization of solar energy and prevention of waste from entering the waters of Ganga and Yamuna.
The special “brick puja” was performed for the toilets today, by the honourable Minister, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Pujya Mahamandaleshwar Kailashanandji and other revered saints and dignitaries. These will be the bricks used in the construction of the first biodigester toilet complex here in Prayag.
Said Pujya Swami Chidanandji: “Every time we drive and I see women and girls having to jump up in the middle of answering nature’s calls due to shame of passing cars, it hurts my heart and I feel that we are inflicting great physical and emotional violence against our “Matri Shakti” by not providing them with safe, available places to go to the toilet. Also, lack of toilets is one of the main reasons for young girls dropping out of school, so we are committed to building toilets in schools so our young girls can continue their studies. Our temples purify our minds and thoughts, but a toilet is necessary for the body. Just as temples are crucial for spiritual health, so are toilets crucial for physical health. That is why, after decades of building temples, I am now focused on building toilets.”
Said Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanandji: “We are all joining hands together here, to be part of Ganga Action Parivar, and become a great sangam of seva for Mother Ganga.”
The Honourable Minister expressed his great sorrow to see the statistics, facts and figures regarding the situation of trash and sewage flowing into Ganga and the consequent rate of illness and death. He expressed his great appreciation for the work being done by Pujya Swamiji and his Ganga Action Parivar.
Ganga Action Parivar members explained to the honourable Minister that the lack of proper toilet facilities is not only a major factor contributing to pollution in Ganga, Yamuna and all rivers, but also is a source of violence, fear and illness in girls and women. Embarrassed to go to the toilet in the daytime, they suffer innumerable ailments from holding until the dark of night. Then, in the dark of night, they fall prey to wild animals and violent men. Hence, the toilet program initiated by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji is an answer to problems faced by Mother Ganga, Mother Yamuna and all the young and old girls and women living on their banks.
Members of Ganga Action Parivar further explained that currently, much of India’s sewage is disposed of within water bodies such as the Ganga. The Ganga is deluged with nearly 2 billion liters of human waste a day, while being the sole source of drinking water to a population approximating that of the United States, Canada and Russia combined. The resulting public health crisis has taken a tremendous toll. According to the World Bank, 21% of communicable diseases in India are related to unsafe water. Of these diseases, diarrhea alone is responsible for over 1,600 deaths each day.
The DRDO-Developed Biodigester uses no chemicals and requires no electricity, nor moving parts. Rather, the biodigester tanks provide an oxygen-free environment within which harmless bacteria dissolve all sewage. What’s left is clear, 99% pathogen-free water, which is rich in agricultural nourishments, and odor-free methane gas which can then be utilized as a fabulous source of energy. Cars have been developed which can reach a top speed of over 180 kph which are fueled for an entire year from the biogas produced from the sewage of just 70 homes. A consortium of Japanese auto makers reports that this fuel can potentially cut carbon emissions by 75%.
Upon the honourable Minister’s departure he received the prasad of saplings of sacred trees which Pujya Swami Chidanandji has been giving out as prasad since the beginning of Kumbha.
