Modi calls for 'uncompromising' approach to clean Ganga

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called for an "uncompromising mission mode approach" to stop pollution of the river Ganga.

Chairing the fifth meeting of the National Ganga River Basin Authority here, Modi said: "The task of cleaning the Ganga was a challenging one, but had the potential to generate immense economical activity, and bring about a positive attitudinal change in the entire country."

The meeting was attended by union ministers Arun Jaitley, Venkaiah Naidu, Nitin Gadkari, Uma Bharati, Birender Singh as well as Prakash Javadekar among others, along with NITI Aayog vice chairman Arvind Panagariya and chief ministers from several states.

Describing it as "our responsibility for future generations" to save the river that is associated with "faith" and "devotion" among millions of Indians, the prime minster stressed on the task to "convert these positive sentiments, into a feeling of responsibility".

He noted that the desired result could only be ensured through "Jan Bhaagidaari" (people's participation), said an official statement.

Urging the states to pay special attention to development of towns and villages located on the river banks, Modi added that they should also ensure sufficient awareness in these areas to stop pollution.

The chief ministers of Uttarakhand, Bihar and Jharkhand presented the issues related to their respective states, including silt management, and single-window clearances for proposals from the states, said the statement.