Satellite images to help trace mythical Saraswati

As part of its official annual exploration programme,the Allahabad Museum has decided to scour the lengths and breadths of “middle Ganga” region — which largely includes Allahabad and its surrounding areas — looking for evidence relating to the existence of mythical river Saraswati,apart from things of archaeological importance.

“When we are exploring middle Ganga,we can definitely explore for this river,which is part of our heritage,” said Rajesh Purohit,the director of the museum who has been working on the existence of river Saraswati using scientific methods. His contention,based on two decades of research,is that Saraswati flowed from Himalayas to Arabian Sea but probably due to “tectonic” events Yamuna took over the mythical river.

The latest exploration will also take the help of satellite imagery to trace the water channels that could throw light on the manner in which the river may have travelled or “run over” by Yamuna. “In any case we are able to trace any defunct water channels,we will try to recharge it or drill deep to draw water,” added Purohit.

There are many legends associated with Saraswati,which according to Hindu mythology,meets Ganga and Yamuna in Allahabad.