Kanwarias causing eco stress at Ganga source

An increase in tourist and pilgrim visits especially by 'kanwarias' to the source of the Ganga have stressed ecology of the zone.

An increase in tourist and pilgrim visits especially by 'kanwarias' to the source of the Ganga have stressed ecology of the zone, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

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"There has been manifold increase in the number of visitors, both tourist and pilgrims especially 'kanwarias,' to Gaumukh, which has definitely caused stress to the ecology and environment of the area," Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Namo Narain Meena said in a written reply.

Proper checks, he added, are being applied to control unregulated activity in that zone.

"A committee has been formed to protect the Gaumukh area. Gaumukh Paryavaran Samiti and Forest Department personnel also check and control the cases of pollution by visitors," the Minister said.

Zoological Park: A proposal is under consideration to grant autonomy to Delhi's National Zoological Park, he said in another reply.

"However, a final decision regarding autonomy to the National Zoological Park, Delhi is yet to be taken."

Glaciers: Scientific studies have revealed that glaciers in the Himalayan region are shrinking, but there is no threat of water shortage because of the phenomenon in the foreseeable future, Meena said.

E-Waste: No systematic study has been carried out so far on e-waste recycling, the Minister said in reply to a question whether Delhi is emerging as the "world's capital" of e-waste recycling, deemed a hazardous activity if not regulated.