Source

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA, April 25, 2004: Hindus in Phoenix have welcomed a recommendation that treated effluent be piped instead of being diverted into a river used for prayer rituals. An earlier plan by the eThekwini municipality to dispose of treated effluent from the Ohlanga catchments area in the Eastbury Drive River in Phoenix drew sharp criticism from Hindu organizations. Common Ground, the company that carried out an environmental impact assessment, has recommended that the effluent be piped along the river to the mouth of the Piesang River canal. Members of the Hindu community and the Phoenix Regional Hindu Dharma who attended a meeting on Thursday night at which the results of the assessment were discussed expressed their joy over the recommendation. Raj Sewsunker, chairman of the Phoenix Regional Hindu Dharma, said: “We informed Common Ground of the rules and practices at our meetings, and they have been very accommodating in respecting our practices.” The issues of market gardeners using the water from the river for irrigation and children playing near the river were also discussed.

Post Views: 641