Clean Ganga:Govt to focus on re-use of effluents,model burning

Emphasis on re-use of effluents by industries, creating model cremation ghats on river banks and special projects on stretches without sewage treatment plants (STP) are part of the major initiatives to be implemented for cleansing the polluted Ganga river.
With the aim to clean the holy river, Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharati has finalised a comprehensive programme for Ganga rejuvenation comprising three groups, seven objectives and 21 key points.
The three groups would be functioning on the concepts of Aviral (uninterrupted), Nirmal (clean) and beautification of the river fronts.
The decision comes in the light of recommendations by a group of secretaries, drawn from various ministries for carrying out the task of formulating action plans for rejuvenating the river.

"The thrust on reuse of effluents would ensure that only treated water is being discharged into the river from polluting industries. The focus would also be on the uninterrupted flow of the river," an official source said.
Massive Afforestation drive would be initiated as part of the rejuvenation programme, the sources added.

Meanwhile, Bharati has directed the Central Water Commission (CWC) to prepare plans for the construction of reservoirs along Ganga, Yamuna and its tributaries to ensure sufficient water in these rivers during non-monsoon season, a statement said.
On the riverfront development and beautification of ghats, Detailed Project Reports (DPR) have been prepared for two such ghats in Delhi and Haridwar. Final decision will be taken for development of ghats in Mathura, Vrindavan and other places on PPP model very soon, the statement said.

It has also been decided to constitute Ganga Task Force to ensure proper implementation of Ganga rejuvenation programme. The Ministry of Defence will provide manpower for the purpose, the statement added.