VHP helds govt responsible for Ganga's 'dismal' condition

Allahabad, Jan 1 (UNI) Expressing anguish on the 'dismal' condition of the river Ganga, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) today alleged it was a ''planned conspiracy'' of both the Uttar Pradesh and the UPA governments to damage the Hindu 'teerths' (religious places).

Talking to mediapersons here, VHP President Ashok Singhal said pilgrims from all over the world are arriving the temple town Prayag to participate in the month long Ardh Kumbh Mela, starting from January 3 but unfortunately, the holy river was still highly polluted and not fit for bathing.

''Both the Central and UP governments are not serious in freeing Ganga from pollution and there are not even planning to solve the problem in future,'' he claimed and warned that any attempt to play with the sentiments of the Hindus might prove disastrous to these governments.

''If the UPA government could seal the shops in Delhi, then why not tanneries in Kanpur which are polluting the Ganga,'' he sought to know.

Meanwhile, VHP National General Secretary Dr Praveen Togadia announced that the 3rd Vishswa Hindu Sammelan would be held on the banks of river Ganga on February 11, 12 and 13.

Delegates from one lakh villages of the country and 100 delegates from abroad would participate in the sammelan, he said. The two day meeting of the 'Kendriya Marg Darshak Mandal' would take place on January 14 and 15 in the Mela area, while the 'Dharam Sansad' would sit on January 16 and 17 next.

UNI