Tanya Ranjan
The Kharkai River is a river in eastern India. It is one of the major tributaries of the Subarnarekha River. It flows through the Adityapur region of Jamshedpur.
It arises in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, on the north slopes of Darbarmela Parbat and the western slopes of Tungru Pahar of the Simlipal Massif. It flows past Rairangpur and heads north to Saraikela, then east, entering the Subarnarekha in northwestern Jamshedpur. The Kharkhai River, flowing through the heart of Jamshedpur and its adjoining areas, is more than just a water body. It is a lifeline for the communities that live on its banks, a source of irrigation of farmers, and a space of cultural, religious, and recreational significance. Yet, like many rivers across India, the Kharkhai today faces a pressing challenge—cleanliness.
Over the years, rapid urbanisation and industrialisation around Jamshedpur have contributed to a decline in the river’s water quality. Domestic sewage, immersion of idols after festivals, plastic waste, and industrial effluents have gradually polluted the waters. Once known for its relatively clean stretches and scenic ghats, the Kharkhai now struggles under the weight of untreated waste and human neglect.
During religious festivals, particularly Durga Puja and Chhath, the river becomes a focal point of celebration. However, post-festival clean-up often lags, leaving behind remnants of idols, flowers, plastic sheets, and other non-biodegradable materials. This not only hampers the river’s cleanliness but also threatens aquatic life and biodiversity.
A clean Kharkhai is not just about aesthetics—it directly impacts health, environment, and livelihood. Polluted river water increases the risk of waterborne diseases in nearby communities. Farmers who depend on its waters for irrigation face long-term soil and crop quality issues. Moreover, the river holds cultural pride for the people of Jamshedpur and Kolhan; preserving its sanctity is as much about identity as it is about ecology.
Local administrations, NGOs, and citizen groups have occasionally initiated river clean-up drives. Awareness campaigns about reducing plastic waste during idol immersion, along with designated artificial ponds for rituals, have shown positive results in recent years. However, these efforts need consistency and stronger public participation to make a lasting impact.
Technological interventions, like sewage treatment plants and better waste management systems, are equally essential. Policies must focus not only on large-scale infrastructure but also on grassroots engagement—encouraging residents, shopkeepers, and local communities to adopt sustainable practices.
The Kharkhai River’s cleanliness is not the responsibility of the government alone. It demands a cultural shift where people take pride in keeping the river clean—by reducing plastic usage, ensuring proper disposal of waste, and supporting local clean-up initiatives. Schools, colleges, and civic groups can play a powerful role in nurturing this sense of ownership among the younger generation.
If Jamshedpur is known as the “Steel City of India” for its industrial heritage, it must also strive to be remembered for its environmental stewardship. A clean Kharkhai River can symbolise that balance between progress and preservation, tradition and responsibility.
(Author is a writing consultant. Views are personal.)
