'Beda Beas Yatra' Spotlights Punjab's Polluted Sutlej

For the fourth consecutive year, the 'Beda Beas Yatra' was celebrated on the Beas river at Punjab's Harike Pattan Wetland, coinciding with World Wetlands Day. This initiative, organized by citizen groups like Bhoomitra and PAHAL, seeks to highlight the escalating pollution in the Sutlej river and the imperative to safeguard wetland ecosystems.

Harike Pattan Wetland, Northern India's largest man-made wetland, serves as the confluence for the Beas and Sutlej rivers. During the event, participants observed a striking difference in water color, with the Sutlej exhibiting blackish hues due to untreated urban sewage and industrial effluents, while the Beas water appeared relatively clearer. Organizers noted a decline in migratory bird numbers at the wetland, attributing it to climate change and habitat degradation.

The yatra incorporated a boat ride, nature walk, and bird observation led by naturalists. Cultural performances, including traditional music, enhanced the reflective atmosphere. Discussions focused on water quality, the ecological health of rivers and wetlands, and their connection to public health. The event underscored the vital role of wetlands in supporting biodiversity and maintaining water quality.