following loud protests from various corners against closing of tunnels on the Bhagirathi river, the Tehri dam committee has recommended a comprehensive study to find out if the Ganga holds higher self-purification qualities. The study findings will be out soon.

The committee members were unanimous that due to oxygen availability and natural flow, every river has some self-purification power. But there is no scientific evidence to prove that the Ganga has special qualities. The high-powered 11-member committee, headed by Union human resource development minister Murli Manohar Joshi, comprises environmental, geological and dam experts. It will submit the report either to the chairperson of the committee or the prime minister.