Exclusive Interview With Mahendranath Chaturvedi on Yamuna River Pollution

Mahendranath Chaturvedi is one of those people who are very rare to find, not because of his educational qualification or because of his materialistic possessions, but only because he has dedicated his life for a cause of humanity service like Yamuna river pollution and drinking water problems. Currently, they are staying at my grandfather’s place and they have travelled all the way from Mathura to Mumbai to fight and gain support for their cause. They are already covered by Ibn7, Ibn7 Lokmat and other Network 18 News channels. He was awarded Rahtriya Padak from President of India in 1971 Indo-Pak-Bangladesh War for his Civil Defense Service. He was also awarded Citizen Journalist Award by IBN 7. The cause may look quite normal, but don’t judge until you read the interview. It shows the usual ignorance of government authority but at the same time it shows the spirit of a man fighting for pure drinking water for himself and people of 5 states on the banks of River Yamuna.

When did the fight on Yamuna Pollution started?

On March 1983, the Yamuna water pollution matter started. The project to clean Yamuna was promised and undertaken by local authorities. U.P. Governor CPN Singh had promised to clean Yamuna saying its a matter of pride for the state. The project included clearing 19 drainage. But like any other political promise, it was obviously not done. Now the matter has gone to various offices from D M, Commission, Chief Secretary, Director of Health, Chief Minister of U.P., Central Health Minister, Central Agriculture Minister, Minister of Chemical and Fertilizer to Honourable Prime Minister of India and President Of India.

What is the extent of pollution in Yamuna River?

131 types of dangerous pesticide were found during Yamuna testing. 38 types of Industrial chemical in which Cynide, Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbon etc. 15 Carsogenic Chemicals [Carsogenic means those chemicals which cause cancer] like Chromium, Cadmium, Lead etc were found. What would you do if the water which is supposed to give you lifeline, is the exact stuff which creates cancer and kill you? Some reports were sponsored by Network 18. The above reports were generated with the help of FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry ) and FRAC (Food Research and Analysis Centre). The complete testing of reports were done at CSE (Centre for Science and Environment), Suresh Basu SV deputy co-ordinator of River Pollution Unit. 5 times more chlorine, then allowed medically are used to purify the Yamuna water, when these combine with Amonium content present in the water, it generates Sulphate’s and Oxide’s very injurious to health. The total dissolve solution meters have failed, the usual ppm capacity/litre is 0 to 200 but it has gone over 10,000. People of 5 states are supplied with this drinking water.

What awareness has been created till now?

Brij Lifeline Welfare Organisation was created by us in 2005, from the encouragement of Gosawami Chimanlala. The organisation has 172 members in India from Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Journalists, Chartered accountants, Principle’s and Deans of various educational institutions, scientitst and various other professionals. More than 8 letter with 115 page report on Yamuna pollution is sent to the office of President of India. On 19th July, 2007 in the Joint Parliament session the question was evoked by the president of India APJ Abdul Kalam. On 3rd August, 2007, The president Of India forwarded the matter to Ministry of Law and Justice for Legal opinion. On 4th November, 2008. All the documents were forwarded by the Home ministry of India through the president’s office to the Supreme court and the case was registered. A Case # 725, AFQM, in 18th july, 1994 was already registered on Yamuna pollution on the basis of news item ‘Quit Yamuna Maili…’ published by Hindustan Times. While a new case after raising constitutional question was registered on ‘Yamuna pollution and clean drinking water’. The case has not started due to lack of a Supreme court lawyer. The issue was further raised with UN, WHO, Goverment of Japan, UNHC and World Bank. A complete 1 hour video on Yamuna pollution was telecast on Network 18 news channels. Other channels like Sahara Samay, E TV, and other local news channels featured the issue. Various newspapers like Dainik Jagran, Rahtriya Saha, Hindustan, Times of India, Indian Express, Amar Ujala, Aaj, Rajpath, Akinchan Bharat, Dla, Mid-Day, Choti Si Baat etc have published our struggle. Magazines like India Today etc. The issue letters are also forwarded to International print media like Washington Post, New York Times, Daily Telegraph, Wallstreet Journal etc. His article was published through Dainik Jagran in 5 crore copies translated in 37 editions.

What is the religious importance to River Yamuna?

River Yamuna is said to be one of the most holy river in Hinduism. All Shri Krishna followers bow before River Yamuna. They treat Shri Yamunaji as their mother. Followers from all over come to seek blessing from Yamunaji and drink the river’s water. They even bath in the river as a religious ritual. The water which is assumed by the followers to give them blessing, gives them cancer and various other diseases! Various Religious leaders like President of organization – Dr Vasudev Krishna Chaturvediji (Mathura), Gosawami Tilkayat Shri Indradamanji Maharashri (Rakesh bava) (Nathdwara and Mumbai), Go. Shyam Manoharji (Varanasi), Go. Chimanlal Mahodayji (Gokul), Shri Nimbakacharyaji (Ajmer), Shri Gopalpithadhishwarji (Mathura), Shri Vagish Kumarji (Vadodra), Shri Vitthalnathji (Junagad), Shri Ghanshyamlal (Rajkot), Shri Krishnadas Kanchanji (Gowardhan), Shri Prashant Kumarji (Mota mandir, Mumbai), Shri Madhvagodershwar Swami (Vrindavan), Shri Gurusharnandanji (Mathura), Shri Panchampithadishwarji (Kamvan), Shri Bhaktivedant Narayanji (Mathura), Shri RadhaViharidasji (Vrindavan), Shri Navnit Raiji (Junagad), Prithvi SinghJi Sodhi (Mathura), Dwarkeshlalji (Vadodra) and many others.

How is the funding for the organisation generated?

Individual donations are the major source. The organisation has currently organised ‘Bahagwad Spatha’ (7 day preaching on Bhagwad) organised at Girirajji Haveli, Mathuradas Road, Kandivali, Mumbai. All the donations received during this function go to the organisation. Various people have come forward for rallies and many other activities of the organisation. We have maintained 100% transparency, all the details of expense are publicly declared. The requirements of the organisation are also declared so they could be met as soon as possible. Donator’s also get exemption from taxes, as the organisation is exempt from 80G of Income Tax Act.

How can the readers help for the cause?

Currently, the biggest need for the organisation is a honest Supreme court lawyer to fight the ‘Yamuna Pollution and pure drinking water’. Every seating of a supreme court lawyer cost around Rs. 2.5 lacs, which the Organisation cannot afford. We are trying to generate funds for the same. Reader’s can help us by

• Request to arrange a working Lawyer to plead the case in supreme court.
• General Elections are imminent, People are requested to support any candidate who fights Yamuna pollution, it can help create political awareness.
• Compel your M.L.A’s and M.P.’s in your sphere of influence to put pressure on respective governments.
• You may increase public awareness by lectures on subject.
• The immediate problem is to arrange a working barrister to plead the case. Still the struggle is long. It depends on your wisdom to collect money to finance the establishment. To create an office with modern facilities. The Institution is exempt from 80G of Income Tax Act.
• In this connection, your guidance is a must for the institution. You can guide by taking your personal interest.
• You can also help the institution by enrolling yourself as a member of it.

For queries, contact Number: 0565-2401550 and 09359204800

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It was really wonderful to interview him.

The reason for me to write this article was definitely to do my part in raising an awareness but there’s something more I would like to share here. I was inspired by this person for the job he’s doing. He is no political party related nor a religious leader. He is neither a highly rich guy trying to get some extra fame. He is just a middle class individual fighting for the cause wholeheartedly. He is one of those individuals who have dedicated his life for the service to humanity. I am highly skeptic when I find such individuals, but knowing him since last 7 days made me realise how humble can a person be. He never talked anything about himself unless asked by anyone. It was only in the interview I discovered about his Rashtriya Padak award and other achievements. He even wrote a letter to President of India to return the award as the Yamuna issue was not solved. He never talks about big things and stuff, a highly grounded individual. It made me wonder what makes people become selfless and dedicated their life for service to humanity? definitely a question to ponder on!