PM chairs meeting of National Ganga River Basin Authority

[Hindustani78]

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/sewage-treatment-plants-along-ganga-tributaries/514933.html
Posted at: Dec 18, 2017, 1:47 AM;
last updated: Dec 18, 2017, 1:47 AM (IST)
Sewage treatment plants along Ganga tributaries

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, December 17

The Centre is set to take its Clean Ganga campaign to the next level by extending construction of sewage treatment plants (STPs) projects in townships located along the river’s tributaries in a phased manner.

This comes after its approvals for STPs in townships related to the river’s mainstream in the five basin states being completed. The basin states are: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar and West-Bengal.

The STP projects are important component of the Clean Ganga Mission so as to stop effluents and other polluted discharges which get drained in huge quantities in the river unchecked.

The idea is to treat them before they get drained into the river and its tributaries. Water Resources Secretary UP Singh said the exercise to clean Ganga can not fructify till its tributaries are also cleaned.

The 2,500-km stretch of the Ganga has about 15 tributaries. In the first phase, STPs would be set up in townships along banks of four tributaries: Kali, Ramganga, Gomati and Hindon. Kali, which originates in Doon Valley is one the most polluted.

It travels about 140 km through populated and industrial belt in Uttar Pradesh (Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut and Bagpat) before merging into the Hindon river.

It pollutes Hindon, which originates in Saharnapur district, from upper Shivalik in the lower Himalayan range. The government is determined to make Ganga palpably clean by February 2019 — before run-up to the next General Election. It has abandoned the October 2, 2018 deadline announced by preceding Water Resources Minister Uma Bharati for complete cleanliness of the river.

Sources said the deadline was set immediately after formation of the present government showing urgency on account of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attention to the project.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
19-December, 2017 18:32 IST
Foundation stone laid for 32 projects in Uttarakhand, two inaugurated under Namami Gange programme.

The foundation stone have been laid for 32 projects costing about Rs 905 crore in Uttarakhand on Tuesday under Namami Gange programme in the august presence of Dr. Satyapal Singh, Minister of State, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. Major General Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri, Shri Prakash Pant, Drinking Water minister, Uttarakhand, Shri Satpal Maharaj, Irrigation minister, Uttarakhand, Shri Ramesh Pokhrial, MP, Haridwar, Shri Madan Kaushik and MLAs Shri Surendra Singh Negi, Shri Adesh Chauhan and Shri Mahendra Bhatt also graced the occasion. Two sewerage treatment projects – sewerage scheme and STP in Gangotri Dham and 0.26 MLD STP at Badrinath - costing Rs 12.83 were inaugurated (commissioned) at the event.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Satyapal Singh said: “We have to make clean Ganga mission a people’s movement. The mindset of people also needs to be changed and they should be told to refrain from polluting the river in any way.” He also talked about the importance of public participation in Namami Gange programme. “We recently had two successful road shows in London and Mumbai during which corporates have shown keen interest in participating in the clean Ganga mission.”

Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat said: “Everyone has to be a Bhagirath now. That is the only solution. Each and every member of the society will have to participate. Government efforts alone would not be enough. If everyone joins hands the dream of Aviral and Nirmal Ganga will certainly come true.”

Out of 32 projects for which foundation stone was laid, 20 projects worth Rs 871.74 crore pertain to sewage treatment and infrastructure in different parts of Uttarakhand. Six are in Haridwar that includes construction of STPs in Jagjeetpur and Sarai under PPP based Hybrid Annuity model. The total cost of projects in Haridwar is Rs 414.20 crore.

Importantly, once all these projects are complete, sewage water of all priority towns in Uttarakhand including Haridwar and Rishikesh will not go into Ganga untreated. Apart from this, foundation stone have been laid for projects related to sewage treatment in Uttarkashi, Muni-ki-Reti, Kirti Nagar, Srinagar, Rudra Prayag, Badrinath, Joshimath, Chamoli, Nand Prayag and Karn Prayag. Foundation stone for ghat development works in Tehri Garhwal, Rudra Prayag and Chamoli were also laid.

The projects include I & D work in Jagjeetpur for Rs 85.14 crore, sewage treatment work in Jagjeetpur for Rs 244.91 crore, I & D work in Sarai for Rs 31.46 crore, sewage treatment work in Sarai for Rs 52.64 crore, 3.5 MLD STP at Tapovan for Rs 2.1 crore, 3 MLD STP at Swarga Ashram for Rs 4.5 crore, I & D and 26 MLD STP work in Rishikesh for Rs 158 crore, I & D and STP work in Muni Ki Reti for Rs 80.45 crore, 2 MLD STP work in Uttarkashi for Rs 10.03 crore, I & D and STP work in Kirti Nagar for Rs 4.2 crore, I & D and STP work in Srinagar for Rs 22.5 crore, 3.5 MLD STP rehabilitation work in Srinagar for Rs 15.4 crore, I & D and STP work in Rudra Prayag for Rs 13.1 crore, I & D and STP work in Badrinath for Rs 18.23 crore, I & D and STP work in Joshimath for Rs 48.42 crore, I & D and STP work in Chamoli for Rs 61.8 crore, I & D and STP work in Nand Prayag for Rs 6.4 crore, I & D and STP work in Karn Prayag for Rs 12.09 crore, ghat work in Tehri Garhwal for Rs 6 crore, ghat work in Chamoli for about Rs 24 crore and ghat work in Rudra Prayag for Rs 4.77 crore.

******

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
21-December, 2017 14:58 IST
Rain Water Harvesting Structures

Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has prepared a conceptual document titled “Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Ground Water” - 2013 which provides information about area specific artificial recharge techniques to augment the ground water resources based on the availability of source water and capability of subsurface formations to accommodate it. The Master Plan envisages construction of about 1.11 crore artificial recharge structures in urban and rural areas at an estimated cost of about Rs. 79178 crore. This comprises around 88 lakh recharge structures/ facilities utilizing rainwater directly from roof top and more than 23 lakh artificial recharge and rainwater harvesting structures for conserving surplus runoff to augment the ground water resources. It is estimated that annually about 85,565 MCM of surplus run-off is to be harnessed to augment the ground water. The Master Plan is available in public domain on the website of the Ministry / CGWB and has also been circulated to the State Governments for implementation. State-wise rural and urban artificial recharge structures as proposed in the Master Plan are given below. It is also pertinent to mention here that water resources is a State subject and thus respective State Government utilize the guidelines issued by the Ministry in their on-going schemes for improved ground water resources.

*********

Ministry of Water Resources
21-December, 2017 14:54 IST
Closure of Tanneries along Ganga River


National Green Tribunal (NGT) in its final judgement order in O.A. No. 200/2014 in the matter of M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India for Segment B, Phase I dated 13th July, 2017 (pg. no. 505) stated that the State of Uttar Pradesh (UP), UP Jal Nigam & Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC) with due consultation with Director NMCG and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shall submit a complete project report giving time bound program for completion of the project related to augmentation and up-gradation of conveyance drains, Primary Effluent Treatment Plants (PETPs), Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) and Common Chrome Recovery Plant (CCRP) at Jajmau in Kanpur, Banthar and Site-II in Unnao in a period of six weeks. The work on such project report should start in four months and the project should be complete and made operational in all respects without exception within two years from the date of pronouncement of this judgment.


In the event, the above direction is not carried out in its true spirit, then the tannery industries at Jajmau shall be directed to be shut down and would be shifted to a new industrial site which is fully developed or to be developed having provisions for CETP and Common Chromium Recovery Plant.


NGT in its final judgment order in O.A. No. 200/2014 in the matter of M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India for Segment B, Phase I dated 13th July, 2017 observed that even after spending Rs.7304.64 Cr. upto March, 2017, by the Central Government, State Government and local authorities of the State of UP, the status of river Ganga has not improved in terms of quality or otherwise and it continues to be a serious environmental issue.


The task of cleaning Ganga is undertaken by different authorities under different programme/schemes. NGT vide its order dated 07/07/2017 in the same O.A. had noted that the Central Government and State Government of Uttar Pradesh had released an amount of Rs. 6,691.55 crore, the details of which are given below:


S. No.
Source
Amount (Rs. cr)
Scheme
As on Date

1
Central Government
4864.48
GAP-1, Gap- II, NRCD, Namami Gange
30 June 2017

2
State
Government (Uttar Pradesh)
1827.07
Standalone projects and State Contribution
March 2017


Total
6691.55


The Government has intensified its efforts for pollution abatement of river Ganga. Cleaning of river Ganga is being carried out through various activities including treatment of municipal sewage, treatment of industrial effluent, river surface cleaning, rural sanitation, afforestation & bio-diversity etc. The municipal sewage being generated in cities on banks of Ganga is being managed by a mix of Interception & Diversion projects, sewerage network and Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) projects. Over 3000 Million Litres Per Day (MLD) of sewage is generated by the towns situated on the main stem of river Ganga. Against this, sewage treatment capacity available is 1580 MLD. National Mission for Clean Ganga has sanctioned projects for creation of additional 1570 MLD capacity and these projects are at various stages of implementation.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr. Satya Pal Singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

*************

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation
22-December, 2017 17:39 IST
Ganga Gram Project to be launched at Swachhta Sammelan tomorrow

The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation is holding a multi-stakeholder meet on 23rd December at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi to formally launch the Ganga Gram Project under the Namami Gange Programme, for holistic sanitation development in villages on the banks of River Ganga.

In August 2017, with active cooperation with the five Ganga States (Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal), the Ministry declared all 4,470 Ganga Grams Open Defecation Free (ODF). The Ministry is the nodal Ministry for the Government’s flagship programme, Swachh Bharat Mission. Since the launch of Mission in October 2014, the Ministry has constructed 5.2 crore toilets and has made 2.95 lakh villages, 260 districts, 6 States and 2 Union Territories, open defecation free.

Subsequent to making all Ganga Bank villages ODF, the Ministry and State Governments identified 24 villages to be taken up as a pilot project to transform them into Ganga Grams. They will set the bench mark of cleanliness and integrated effort of development. These will be converted into Ganga Grams by 31st December 2018.

Ganga Gram vision is an integrated approach for holistic development of villages situated on the banks of River Ganga with active participation of the villagers. The objectives of Ganga Gram Project include solid and liquid waste management, renovation of ponds and water resources, water conservation projects, organic farming, horticulture, and promotion of medicinal plants.

An Advisory Board has been created as a policy framing and decision-making body under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Minister for Drinking Water and sanitation. Another Committee has been constituted as Project Committee for project supervision, implementation and co-ordination.

Ganga Swachhata Manch, a forum of individuals, academicians, civil society organisations and the like, which has been formed upon the initiative of Hon’ble Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation will also be launched tomorrow. This Manch has been created for awareness creation, knowledge sharing, learning and advocacy for the Ganga Gram Project.

The Ganga Gram Swachhta Sammelan will be presided over by the Hon’ble Minister MDWS, Sushri Uma Bharati. Shri Nitin Gadkari , Hon’ble Minister for Water Resources, Ganga Rejuvenation and River Development will be the chief guest and Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj will be the Guest of Honour. The sammelan will be attended by about 1200 delegates including 500 village sarpanches from Ganga States, State and District government officials, NMCG Members and Ganga Swachhta Manch volunteers.

<><><>><>

Ministry of Environment and Forests
22-December, 2017 19:09 IST
Use of Pet Coke and Furnace Oil in Industries

“As per IIT Kanpur report, sources of pollution during winter in Delhi include secondary particles (25 - 30%), vehicles (20 - 25%), biomass burning (17 – 26%), municipal solid waste burning (9 - 8%) and soil and road dust. Sources of pollution during summer include, coal and fly ash (37 - 26%), soil and road dust (26 – 27%), secondary particles (10 - 15%), biomass burning (7 - 12%), vehicles (6 – 9%) and municipal solid waste burning (8 – 7%). The emission from use of pet coke and furnace oil is expected to contribute in respect of Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) and secondary sulphate component of particulate matter (PM). The total secondary sulphate particulates contribution in ambient PM10 concentration in Delhi is in the range of 4.5-15.3% during winter and 4.7-7 % during summer, while in case of PM2.5it is 8-21% and 7.6-12.5% in winter and summer seasons, respectively. SO2 has been observed to be well within the prescribed standards in Delhi. Particulate matter is observed to be beyond the specified norms, especially during winter, in Delhi.

The Supreme Court imposed a ban on use of pet coke and furnace oil on 24.10.2017 in Delhi-NCR states. Since the ban has been imposed recently, its impact is yet to be assessed. Various categories of industries such as cement, thermal power plant, fertilizers, nitric acid, lime kiln, ceramic, glass, foundry, reheating furnaces, calcium carbide, aluminium, boiler based industries etc., use pet coke and furnace oil for various purposes including as fuel. Under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; monitoring and compliance is being ensured through concerned State Pollution Control Board.

The Government has notified environmental standards for various categories of industries including those using fuel such as petroleum/petcoke and furnace oil, under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for large categories of industries. Notifying environmental standards for different categories of industries is an ongoing process. Petroleum coke or petcoke and furnace oil which are by-product of crude refining process are also used as fuel by several industries/boilers. The Ministry has issued a draft notification inviting public suggestions and objection vide S.O.No.1343 (E) dated 25/10/2017 laying down emission standards for SO2 and NOX for industrial boilers using petcoke and petcoke blend.

There is no proposal to completely ban use of pet-coke and furnace oil throughout the country for all industrial sectors.”

This information was given by Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, in reply to a written question in Lok Sabha today.

*****

Ministry of Environment and Forests
22-December, 2017 19:08 IST
Closure of Polluting Industrial Units

“Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has carried out inspection of polluting industries to check the compliance of stipulated norms of effluent & emission discharge. Based on the compliance status of industries, directions are issued and in case of major violations, closure directions under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 are issued. Closure directions have been issued to 73 industries falling under 17 categories of industries since last one year in various States. In addition, closure directions to 508 Grossly Polluting Industrial (GPI) units situated along Ganga were issued under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

No decision has been taken to legislate a new law imposing heavy penalty and imprisonment instead of closing polluting units.”

This information was given by Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, in reply to a written question in Lok Sabha today.

*****

Ministry of Environment and Forests
22-December, 2017 19:03 IST
Awareness Regarding Air Pollution

“India has one of the largest urban systems in the world, with many cities located in agro-climatic zones which have high levels of particulate matter due to natural reasons such as Gangetic plains. India is also home to over 16% of global population, though it has only 2.5% of the geographical area of the world. Due to these reasons India has a large number of cities that do not meet norms related to air quality standards. Further, the methodology for assessment of pollution in various parts of world is not same. Countries can be ranked on the basis of different criteria pollutants with different results. As such it is difficult to compare different countries since they differ in their various characteristics.

The Government has taken several steps to address air pollution which inter alia, include notification of National Ambient Air Quality Standards; setting up of monitoring network for assessment of ambient air quality; introduction of cleaner / alternate fuels like gaseous fuel (CNG, LPG etc.), ethanol blending, launching of National Air Quality index; universalization of BS-IV by 2017; leapfrogging from BS-IV to BS-VI fuel standards by 1st April, 2020; notification of Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules; banning of burning of biomass; promotion of public transport network; streamlining the issuance of Pollution Under Control Certificate; issuance of directions under Section 18(1)(b) of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and under Section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; installation of on-line continuous (24x7) monitoring devices by major industries, etc. Abatement of pollution is largely the responsibility of State Governments, local bodies, agencies of the State Governments and industrial units. The Government of India supplements the efforts of State Governments, etc. Government provides funds to CPCB for its various activities, including air pollution mitigation efforts. The details of the funds provided by government to CPCB is at Annexure I. State-wise details of funds released to various Monitoring Agencies during last three years and current year for ambient air quality monitoring as operational and maintenance cost under National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) is given at Annexure-II.

National Air Quality Index (NAQI) has been launched, which classifies air quality into good, satisfactory, moderate, poor, very poor, and severe categories. Government has also undertaken a number of awareness building programs to highlight the issue of air pollution. Ministry launched campaigns such as ‘Harit Diwali and Swasth Diwali’ and ‘Swachh Hawa for Swachh and Swasth Bharat’ covering over two lakh schools in the country.”


The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari awarded the certificates for skill development to workers from highways construction sector, at a function, in New Delhi on December 22, 2017. The Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and the Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya are also seen.

The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari awarded the certificates for skill development to workers from highways construction sector, at a function, in New Delhi on December 22, 2017. The Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and the Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya are also seen.

The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari awarded the certificates for skill development to workers from highways construction sector, at a function, in New Delhi on December 22, 2017. The Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and the Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya are also seen.

The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari handing over the work order to a skill training agency, at a function, in New Delhi on December 22, 2017. The Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya is also seen.

The Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan handing over the work order to a skill training agency, at a function, in New Delhi on December 22, 2017. The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari is also seen.

The Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya handing over the work order to a skill training agency, at a function, in New Delhi on December 22, 2017. The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari and the Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Yudhvir Singh Malik are also seen.

The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari addressing at the skill development programme for highways construction sector, in New Delhi on December 22, 2017.

The Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan addressing at the skill development programme for highways construction sector, in New Delhi on December 22, 2017.

The Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya addressing at the skill development programme for highways construction sector, in New Delhi on December 22, 2017.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/uttarakhand/64-nullahs-discharging-waste-into-ganga-cag/517603.html

Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service
Dehradun, December 22

A report prepared by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed that around 64 nullahs (sewers) continue to discharge waste into the Ganga in Uttarakhand. The report, which has been tabled in Parliament, puts a big question mark on the efforts under way for keeping the river clean under the Namami Gange project.

As per the CAG report, around 54.2 MLD of untreated sewage was being channelised into the river in Haridwar and Rishikesh. The report has also taken to task the Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board (UEPPCB) for failing to monitor the industries that were issued show-cause notices for polluting the river.

The country’s supreme auditor notes that of the 180 defaulting industries, which were issued show-cause notices during 2015-2016, in 109 cases the notices were revoked between December 2015 and May 2017. “Of the 109 units, 67 defaulting units complied with the directions of the UEPPCB. However, the defaulting units neither submitted their compliance to the show-cause notice nor approached the UEPPCB for inspection for checking compliance within the subscribed time period,” stated the CAG report.

Further, the CAG report states that of the 111 nullahs discharging 56.871 MLD of sewage into the Ganga and its tributaries — Alaknanda and Bhagirathi — “Only 47 nullahs discharging 30.579 MLD were tapped till the time of auditing.

Thus, a discharge of 26.292 MLD is still falling into the river or its tributaries without any treatment,” stated the report. The CAG report made these observations while scrutinising the steps taken by the state in the wake of the directives issued by the Uttarakhand High Court. Above all, the construction of sewerage treatment plants continues to be in progress in Haridwar and Rishikesh due to which, “The balance sewage of 44.2 and 10 MLD, respectively, of these towns is being discharged into the river without being treated,” said the report.

The report also found that Haridwar-based BHEL had not installed a sewerage treatment plant despite repeated directives. The project director of Namami Gange project Raghav Langar said that the state government had recently released funds for the construction of new STPs.

“We have time till December 2018 to complete the work. The process to sanction the STPs has already started,” he said. Pollution control board taken to task

• The report raps Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board (UEPPCB) for failing to monitor the industries polluting the river.
• Of the 180 defaulting industries issued show-cause notices during 2015-2016, in 109 cases the notices were revoked between December 2015 and May 2017.
• The defaulting units neither submitted their compliance to the show-cause notice nor approached the UEPPCB for inspection for checking compliance within the subscribed time period

The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Drinking Water & Sanitation, Sushri Uma Bharti and other dignitaries at the Ganga Gram Swachhta Sammelan, in New Delhi on December 23, 2017.

The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari and the Union Minister for Drinking Water & Sanitation, Sushri Uma Bharti at the Ganga Gram Swachhta Sammelan, in New Delhi on December 23, 2017. The Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Parameswaran Iyer is also seen.

The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari addressing at the Ganga Gram Swachhta Sammelan, in New Delhi on December 23, 2017.

The Union Minister for Drinking Water & Sanitation, Sushri Uma Bharti addressing at the Ganga Gram Swachhta Sammelan, in New Delhi on December 23, 2017.

The Union Minister for Drinking Water & Sanitation, Sushri Uma Bharti in a group photograph at the Ganga Gram Swachhta Sammelan, in New Delhi on December 23, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Science & Technology
16-January, 2018 16:15 IST
“Government committed to harness science and technology for the preservation of environment”: Dr. Harsh Vardhan

Commencement of “DST-Intel Collaborative Research for Real-time River Water and Air Quality Monitoring (WAQM)” and announcement of Research Projects

Union Minister for Science & Technology, Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, has said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the Government is committed to harness science and technology for the preservation of environment. Presiding over the function to mark the commencement of DST-Intel Collaborative Research for real-time river water and air quality monitoring and announcement of research projects at Hotel Taj Mahal here today, Dr. Harsh Vardhan emphasised that research has to be increasingly made people-centric and research must find solutions to the problems of the people. The Minister also stressed the need to change the definition of “impact factor” to include how much the research will impact the common and lead to an alleviation of sufferings of the people. Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that real time water and air quality monitoring is another initiative of the Government towards scientific social responsibility. “The scientific vision of the Government has been demonstrated through state-of-the-art technology solutions delivered through global partnership”, he stated.

Congratulating the scientists on the occasion, the Minister pointed out that India stands third in the field of nano-technology. “India’s R&D efforts have been hailed by the entire world”, he said. “There is nothing on this planet that cannot be solved with the help of science”, Dr. Harsh Vardhan averred. The Minister added that national missions like Namami Gange can really benefit from science and that Mission Namami Gange needs help from scientists. He stated that development and application of advanced tools and techniques by leading Indian and US institutions for real time water and air quality monitoring is of utmost importance to address the critical scientific challenges involved.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, highlighted the technology-based solutions provided to address the challenges of water availability and water quality. He also underlined the significant investment made in national, bilateral and multilateral research efforts to address water challenges. “The department is committed to contribute to national missions through science and technology and current endeavour for the development of online autonomous sensor networks for water and air quality monitoring is one such step”, he said.

Addressing the gathering, vice president, Internet of Things Group (IOTG), Intel Corporation, Mr. Jonathan Ballon said, “Intel continues its focus on supporting innovation and technology research aimed at creating solutions to help improve the quality of life. The initiative will draw meaningful insights that will help towards developing end-to-end IoT-based real-time water and air quality monitoring solutions, creating affordable and applicable solutions for India’s community challenges.”

Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Intel have jointly initiated a research programme titled, “Research Initiative for Real-time River Water and Air Quality Monitoring” to develop low-cost and low-power autonomous wireless sensor technologies for sensing, communication and analysis of large-scale data collected from autonomous networks of perpetual/ long-lived sensor nodes. The development of these technologies will be followed by integration and deployment for water and air quality monitoring in real time. This real-time data will significantly strengthen and complement the Missions of national priority like Namami Gange, by serving as critical data feeders for pre and post treatment analysis.

The joint programme is co-funded by DST and Intel and implemented by the bilateral Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF). The programme offers a unique opportunity for the academia and industries across the two countries (India and USA) to collaborate and develop end-to-end Internet of Things (IoT)-based Water and Air Quality Management (WAQM) solution [End-to-End IoT WAQM]. The development of such an end-to-end solution, composed of several individual research elements, can also potentially impact environmental quality monitoring systems in diverse contexts such as urban, domestic and industrial settings.



Four Projects selected in real-time air and water quality monitoring:

After a comprehensive review, two projects each in Air and Water Quality Monitoring have been selected. These research projects will be pursued by leading Indian scientific and technical institutions such as IITs and IISc in collaboration with top US institutions like Duke University, University of South California, Michigan State University, Stanford University etc.

The two Air Quality Monitoring projects are:

1. Streaming Analytics over Temporal Variables from Air quality Monitoring (SATVAM)

2. High resolution air quality monitoring and air pollutant data analytics

These projects will lead to development of systems to report and visualize scientifically validated PM2.5 and gas measurements. This project will have the potential for replication in 500 cities and towns across India. The projects will also lead to development and validation of low-cost sensor systems with improved techniques of sampling and calibrations towards developing the air quality index and identifying sources of pollutants with focus on vehicular pollution.

The two Water Quality Monitoring projects are:

1. Aquatic Autonomous Observatory (Niracara Svayamsasita VedhShala - NSVS)
2. Integrated low-cost water sensors for real- time river water monitoring and decision- making (SensorWarn).

These projects will lead to the design and development of low-cost, multi-parameter, water quality platforms with auto-sampling capabilities integrated with energy harvesting system. The projects will also result in development of sensors for water quality and water flow integrated with communication system to develop an early warning mechanism.



***

The Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan releasing the Brochure on DST-Intel Mission Projects - collaborative research on River Water and Air Quality Monitoring, in New Delhi on January 16, 2018.

The Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan delivering the presidential address, at DST-Intel Collaborative Research for Real-time River Water and Air Quality Monitoring (WAQM)”, in New Delhi on January 16, 2018.

The Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Prof. Ashutosh Sharma addressing the “DST-Intel Collaborative Research for Real-time River Water and Air Quality Monitoring (WAQM)”, in New Delhi on January 16, 2018.

NITI Aayog
16-January, 2018 15:22 IST
NITI Aayog initiates the first course on Sustainable Urban Planning using Remote Sensing and GIS at IIT Kanpur’s Outreach Center in NOIDA

The First Global Initiative on Academic Network GIAN course on Sustainable Urban planning using remote sensing and Geographic Information System, GIS has been launched at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur’s outreach center in NOIDA. Principal Adviser, NITI Aayog, Ratan P. Watal, inaugurated the course at a function in NOIDA yesterday on 15th January,2018.

This course is being conducted under the Global Initiative on Academic Network (GIAN) Program of the Ministry of Human Resource Development and actively supported by NITI Aayog and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

This course aims to give participants state-of-the-art remote sensing and GIS skills which will allow them to rise to the challenge of managing the rapidly changing urban environment of Indian cities. Focus will be on issues such as water resource management, water pollution and strategic emplacements for water treatment facilities.

The course is being coordinated by Professor Rajiv Sinha from the Department of Earth Sciences at IIT Kanpur and Dr. Patrice Carbonneau from the Department of Geography, University of Durham, UK.

Participants from several Government departments such as ISRO, AP Remote Sensing Application Centre, National Mission on Clean Ganga and students from different engineering colleges and universities across the country are attending the course. In his inaugural address, Mr. Wattal emphasized the need to harness the potential of GIS and Remote Sensing technology to address the challenges of urbanization. He urged the participants to come forward with smart solutions for smart cities. Joint Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Shiv Das Meena, was the Guest of Honour on this occasion.

This course is expected to contribute significantly to build trained manpower for the Smart Cities Mission launched by the Government on 25th June 2015 with an objective to promote sustainable and inclusive cities that provide core infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to its citizens, a clean and sustainable environment and application of ‘Smart’ Solutions.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
17-January, 2018 18:00 IST
Fourteenth Meeting of the Special Committee for Inter-Linking of Rivers held today

Shri Nitin Gadkari calls upon states to cooperate with one another and with the centre to expedite projects for interlinking of rivers Also says rehabilitation of displaced persons must be fully ensured

Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Shri Nitin Gadkari has called upon state govenments to cooperate with one another and with the centre to expedite the projects for interlinking of rivers. He was addressing the fourteenth meeting of the Special Committee for Inter-linking of Rivers in New Delhi today. Shri Gadkari stressed upon the need to design better technical models that aimed at bringing down construction cost while maintaining quality, so that projects do not languish for want of funds. He also called upon state governments to explore new financing models including low-interest loans from foreign agencies.

Shri Gadkari said that inter-linking of rivers will bring a big social economic change in the country, and usher in prosperity in many regions that are poorly developed today. He said if we are able to save the enormous amounts of river water that gets lost to the seas as run-off, and are able to divert this to water deficit regions, we can solve the problem of water scarcity that exists in several states today.

The Minister however added that while implementing the river interlinking projects the rehabilitation of displaced persons must be fully ensured. He said he is pained to see a large number of DPs still awaiting rehabilitation at various project sites which have been completed long back.

In order to resolve issues related to various projects Shri Gadkari said that clusters of states will be made and MoS Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal will soon visit states and hold meetings for on the spot discussion with the concerned state government on the various pending issues. Referring to the funding of various ILR projects Shri Gadkari said the time has come when we have look for innovative funding mechanisms for these projects. He urged state governments to come forward with definite funding proposals which can be taken up with foreign funding agencies. Shri Gadkari said his Ministry will provide all help to the states for this.

Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Dharam Pal Singh, Irrigation Minister of UP, Shri T Harish Rao, Irrigation Minister of Telangana and Senior officials from the centre and state governments attended the meeting.

The meeting confirmed the minutes of the 13th meeting of the Special Committee for Inter-linking of Rivers held on July 27, 2017 at New Delhi. It also reviewed the follow-up action on the decisions taken during the last meeting. The other issues taken up included the status of clearance of Ken-Betwa Link Project, Damanganga-Pinjal and Par-Tapi-Narmada Link Projects. The meeting was informed that the clearances for Ken-Betwa Link Project have been given and MoU is likely to be signed soon. For the other two projects also all major issues have been resolved. Other topics that were discussed include Surplus Water in River Basin for Interlinking of Rivers, Status of Intra-State link proposals, Restructuring of National Water Development Agency, Constitution of Group of Financial Aspects under TFILR, Consideration of inter-linking of rivers (ILR) projects as National project and Alternative proposal of Diversion of Godavari water upto Cauvery basin (Phase-I).

Union Cabinet in its meeting held on July 24, 2014 had approved the constitution of the Special Committee on ILR. Accordingly, Special Committee on ILR was constituted vide order dated September 23, 2014. The first meeting of the committee was held on October 17, 2014. The committee, after considering the views of all the stakeholders, is proceeding ahead to expedite the objectives of the interlinking of rivers as per terms of reference. Vigorous efforts have been made for generating consensus with development of alternative plans and also setting out road maps for implementation of projects.



***********

The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari chairing the 14th Meeting of the Special Committee for Interlinking of Rivers, in New Delhi on January 17, 2018. The Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal and the Minister of State for Human Resource Development and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr. Satya Pal Singh are also seen.

The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari chairing the 14th Meeting of the Special Committee for Interlinking of Rivers, in New Delhi on January 17, 2018. The Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal and the Minister of State for Human Resource Development and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr. Satya Pal Singh are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari and the Chief Minister of Delhi, Shri Arvind Kejriwal in a meeting regarding issues about Yamuna River, in New Delhi on January 18, 2018.

The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari and the Chief Minister of Delhi, Shri Arvind Kejriwal in a meeting regarding issues about Yamuna River, in New Delhi on January 18, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
19-January, 2018 15:56 IST
Patna soon to have 100 Percent Sewage Treatment Capacity

Patna will soon be amongst the few major cities along river Ganga to have 100 percent sewage treatment capacity to ensure that no waste water gets discharged into the river. The National Mission for Clean Ganga has put in place a comprehensive sewage management plan for the city, that will replace its existing, defunct system with one that will take care of its sewage treatment requirements till 2035.

The existing sewage treatment plants in Patna have long outlived their utility. The old sewer lines are choked, so waste water cannot flow into the STPs for treatment. As a result the STPs are lying defunct and sewage is getting discharged into the river.

In order to revamp the sewage management system in the city, NMCG has approved eleven projects worth Rs 3582.41 crore that will involve laying down 1140.26 km of sewerage lines and create sewage treatment capacity of 350 MLD. This would cover the sewage treatment requirements of the city upto 2035, when its sewage generation is estimated to be 320 MLD. The new system will also cover Digha and Kankarbagh sewerage zones which have no existing treatment facility so far. Once these projects are completed, Patna will be amongst the few cities having 100 % sewage treatment capacity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for four awarded sewerage projects costing Rs 738.04 crore on October 14, 2017. The ceremony took place at Mokama. These four projects together will create new STP capacity of 120 MLD and upgrade the existing 20 MLD for Beur, Karmalichak and Saidpur sewerage zones. This will also lay down sewer network of 234.84 km in Beur and Saidpur zones.

Seven other sewerage projects are at various stages of implementation out of which two – Digha and Kankarbagh sewerage zones – worth Rs 1402.89 crore are sanctioned under Hybrid Annuity-based PPP mode. Sewer network works for two zones – Karmalichak and Saidpur zones – worth Rs 708.63 crore will be awarded soon whereas three more projects in Pahari zone to create 60 MLD STP capacity and lay down sewer network of 198.38 km costing Rs 732.85 are under implementation.

Alamganj ghat in Patna.

Apart from the foregoing sewage management projects, Patna River Front Development project worth Rs 254.52 crore is at an advanced stage of completion (more than 80% work done). Under this, 16 ghats and 6.6 km of promenade are being developed among other services that include toilets, bathrooms, changing rooms etc. Pathri Ghat in Patna which was developed under Namami Gange programme won 2A Asia Architecture Award 2016. Under the River Surface Cleaning project, a trash skimmer has been deployed in Patna at a cost of Rs 3.96 crore.

It was only with the launch of Namami Gange programme and empowerment of NMCG as an Authority that Patna was given the attention it deserves. Numerous visits of senior officers to Patna and several consultations with technical experts, river scientists, city administration and city dwellers led NMCG to expedite the sanctioning of projects of demographically dense areas generating more sewage water. Because of the city’s geographical placing, a significant quantum of pollution load discharges into the river. Keeping in mind these considerations, all sewage management projects in Patna were approved in a time-bound manner. Also, Patna has some of the best quality ghats which have been constructed under River Front Development project under Namami Gange and more are underway.

Namami Gange and more are underway.

Trash skimmer in action for river surface cleaning in Patna

Patna is one of the oldest inhabited cities in India with a population of over two million. The western periphery of the city is bound by river Sone whereas on southern side flows Punpun River which later joins river Ganga. It is the second largest city of eastern India and the most densely populated city in Bihar. The swift transformation of Patna into a metropolis, with a population of over 2 millions, makes it a crucial city for Namami Gange programme. A cleaner and healthier river Ganga would augur well for the already ascendant development of this historic city.

****

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Finance
The Government of India, the Government of Uttarakhand and the World Bank sign $120 million Loan Agreement to improve access to Water Supply Services in the Hilly State of Uttarakhand.

Posted On: 22 JAN 2018 6:28PM by PIB Delhi

The Government of India, the Government of Uttarakhand and the World Bank Board signed here today in New Delhi, a $120 million Loan Agreement which will help increase access to improved water supply services in peri-urban areas in the State of Uttarakhand.

The Agreement for the project was signed by Mr. Sameer Kumar Khare, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, on behalf of the Government of India; Mr. Arvind Singh Hyanki, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, on behalf of the Government of Uttarakhand; and Mr. Hisham Abdo, Acting Country Director, World Bank, India on behalf of the World Bank.

The Uttarakhand Water Supply Program for Peri-Urban Areas will help the State increase water supply coverage as well as ensure sustainable water supply service delivery in peri-urban areas. It will develop and implement a service-oriented and efficient water supply policy for peri-urban areas, strengthen the current monitoring and evaluation systems, and provide dedicated incentives for preparation and adoption of water supply ‘master-plans’ in peri-urban areas.

Growth and urbanization has led to the rise of significant “peri-urban” areas (mostly in the plains) that, while classified as rural, are effectively urban in nature (in terms of density of population, the structure of the economy, and aspirations of the people). The “disconnect” between the formal classification of these populated areas and their actual nature, including provision of water supply, along with unique governance, infrastructure, and service delivery challenges.

From 2001 to 2011, the state’s urban population grew by nearly 42 percent, which is substantially higher than the national average of 32 percent. While the state has made significant strides in piloting and implementing innovative approaches in water supply and sanitation services, water supply services in peri-urban areas have not been a focus.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sameer Kumar Khare, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India said that over 700,000 people residing in peri-urban areas of the state are expected to benefit from the program. He said that with increasing urbanization, the demarcation between rural and urban is slowly diminishing. The rise of peri urban areas in Uttarakhand presents many challenges to development.

Mr Khare concluded that through this project, the peri-urban population in the State, especially the women will have easy access to regular water supply services, thus freeing- up their time for other more socially and economically productive activities.

The Program will focus on increasing coverage, quality and reliability of water supply services in all peri-urban areas of the State. Services would be provided through piped network and metered service connections with a focus on improving the operation and management (O&M) of it. Some of the efforts at improving services under the Program will include ensuring a minimum 16-hour water supply which meets the Government of India water quality standards, supplied at a minimum pressure of 12m, for no less than 300 days in a year; 100 percent customer metering and volumetric tariffs; and sustainable water supply systems which recover O&M costs through user charges with transparent subsidies, if any.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Smita Misra, Lead Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist and the World Bank’s Task Team Leader for the program said that with rapid economic growth and urbanization, there is a strong demand for better public services, including water supply in peri-urban areas. She said that this Program is now a priority for the State as it moves towards achieving its goal of universal water supply coverage in urban areas by 2030 and in rural areas by 2022. She further said that we hope this program shows the way for others addressing service delivery issues in challenging `peri-urban’ areas that are increasingly part of the landscape of India and other countries in South Asia.

The $120 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), has a 5-year grace period, and a maturity of 17 years.

*****

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
23-January, 2018 16:36 IST
Dr. Harsh Vardhan Urges Scientists and Officers to Identify Ten Priority Areas and Ensure Ground-Level Implementation

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has urged the scientists and senior officers of Ministries of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and Department of Biotechnology to identify 10 priority areas and ensure ground-level implementation that result in time-bound and measurable results. The Minister said that such an approach will pool and converge latest scientific and technical knowhow, financial and human and infrastructural resources to maximize outcomes and outputs in sectors such as water management, air quality management, soil management, waste management, climate change, marine & coastal biodiversity, disruptive technologies, skill development & upgradation and international conventions/ agreements.

It was decided at a meeting in New Delhi, chaired by Dr Harsh Vardhan, to set up a Joint Working Group (JWG) for functional synergy of achieving time-bound goals in these areas. The JWG will be empowered to take decisions and nodal officers from all departments will meet every month, while the Minister will chair its quarterly meetings of such JWG.

“The focus of the JWG has to be not only creating technology, but look at the entire delivery chain, where we are able to prove the technology and then scale it up”, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said. “This requires convergence between one who has the technology and the other who needs the technology”, he added.

The Minister also suggested drawing up a plan for the 115 least developed districts that have been identified by NITI Aayog under the guidance of the Prime Minister and urged the 5 Ministries/Departments to ensure time-bound implementation.


***

Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
23-January, 2018 17:38 IST
Transport infrastructure in Varanasi undergoing major overhaul

Seven highways projects and a multi modal terminal on Ganga under construction; Shri Mansukh Mandaviya reviews progress of ongoing projects

The Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Chemical & Fertilizers Shri Mansukh L Mandaviya was on a one day visit to Varanasi today. During his visit he reviewed the progress of national highways works in and around the city, visited the Multi-Modal Terminal Hub being constructed under the World Bank aided Jal Marg Vikas project on river Ganga and inaugurated a Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra.

Shri Mandaviya held a meeting with the officers of Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and Regional Officers of NHAI. He said that national highways are the backbone of the infrastructure of a country and his Government will make all efforts to improve the country’s infrastructure. At present there are seven ongoing National Highways works worth Rs. 5260 crores in the Varanasi city. In addition to this, two road projects with the estimated cost of Rs. 5,764 crores are in the pipeline.

The Minister also visited the Multi-Modal Terminal hub at Varanasi, being constructed at a cost of Rs169.70 crore under Jal Marg Vikas project. The terminal will have a capacity of 0.54 Million Tonnes Per Annum. The construction work of the terminal is expected to be completed by November, 2018. A proposal to establish a Freight Village and Logistic Hub in Varanasi is also under consideration of the Government, to provide required infrastructure with state of the art equipment and all modes of transport vis-à-vis rail, road and waterways to reduce logistics cost and transportation time of goods and to facilitate ease of doing business.

In order to make available quality generic medicines at affordable prices, Shri Mandaviya also inaugurated a Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra at Ramarepur Pahariya in Varanasi.

****

Ministry of Water Resources
23-January, 2018 16:57 IST
Central Assistance released Under PMKSY by Ministry of Water Resources

The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation during last week released Central Assistance (CA) of Rs. 246.9 crore for 9 prioritized projects under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) works and Rs. 487.80 crore for Command Area Development (CAD) works of 17 projects.

During 2017-18, so far, CA amounting to Rs. 1152.52 crore has been released for 26 priority projects under AIBP. Also, Rs. 3318.85 crore has been released as State share from NABARD for 24 priority projects under AIBP. For CAD works, CA amounting to Rs. 524.90 crore for 22 priority projects and Rs. 71.52 crore as State share has been released through NABARD.

Thus, total funds of Rs. 6047.15 crore have been leveraged under Long Term Irrigation Fund (LTIF) through NABARD during 2017-18 so far.

Further, Rs. 436 crore have been released under PMKSY- Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP) for Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI) and Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) schemes for various States.

*************


Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
23-January, 2018 16:52 IST


NHAI awards contract for 4-Laning of Hiran River to Sindoor River section of NH-12 in Madhya Pradesh

The National Highways Authority of India has issued Letter of Award (LOA) for the development of the following national highway section in the state of Madhya Pradesh:


NH No.
Section
Length
Total Capital Cost
Contractor’s Name


NH-12
Hiran River to Sindoor River from km 66.00 to Km 130 section
64 km
Rs. 866.39 Crore
M/s Krishna Constructions-Gawar Construction Limited (JV)



The project would be implemented on EPC mode with construction period of 24 months. The project includes upgradation of the highway from 2 lane to 4 lane with rigid pavement (cement concrete road), along with construction of 4 major bridges, 20 minor bridges, 9 underpasses at the location of minor junction and 29 minor junctions for the free and safe movement of road users.

Thirteen kilometer of the project road passes through wild life sanctuary in which 39.750 ha. area of wildlife forest land is required for diversion. The road also passes through Reserve and Protected forest for 2 km length in which 11.081 ha. forest land is required for diversion. In order to facilitate free and safe movement of wildlife, adequate mitigation measures have been included in the project viz. additional span of 5m on the either side of the major bridges, provision of structures of size 5X3.5M at 25 locations.

On completion of the project, the journey on this highway stretch will become safer, saving time, fuel and vehicle maintenance cost.

****

 

[Hindustani78]

The Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Parameswaran Iyer addressing the press conference on the issues related to Sanitation and Water, in New Delhi on January 24, 2018.

The Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Parameswaran Iyer addressing the press conference on the issues related to Sanitation and Water, in New Delhi on January 24, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
25-January, 2018 18:58 IST
Shri Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone / inaugurated seven National Highways projects worth Rs 6517 crores in Uttar Pradesh today

He also laid the foundation stone for an Intermodal Terminal on National Waterways –I (River Ganga) at Ghazipur. Shri Gadkari will review progress of highways projects in UP with the state CM today

The Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone for / inaugurated seven national highways projects worth Rs 6517 crores for a total length of 246 km in Uttar Pradesh today.

In Maharajganj Shri Gadkari dedicated to the people the newly widened and strengthened 26.9 km long Urka – Ramnagar section and 33 km long Siswa Babu to Kaptanganj section of NH 730 . The work for the former section was done at a cost of Rs 146.39 crores and for the latter at a cost of Rs 222.49 crore. The Minister also laid the foundation stone for widening and strengthening 21.12km long Ramnagar- Siswa Babu section of NH 730 at a cost of Rs 193 crores.

In Ghazipur Shri Gadkari laid the foundation stone for widening and strengthening of 65.38 km long Ghazipur-Mau section of NH 29 at a cost of Rs 3580 crore, Hridaypur –Tikri Buzurg section of NH 97 and 56.2 km long Ghazipur-Jamania-Sayyadraja section of national highways.

In addition to this, the Minister also laid the foundation stone for an Intermodal Terminal on National Waterways –I (River Ganga) at Ghazipur. This terminal is being constructed as part of the World Bank aided Jal Marg Vikas project and will provide intermodal transportation facility for cargo. The terminal will link the NW-I with NH – 31 that is only 650 metres away. The terminal will thus be very important for efficient movement of large and small cargo by providing the options for both land and water transportation or the option for intermodal switching. It will have facilities like berths, storage areas and sheds, terminal building, communications systems and electrical substation. It will have a handling capacity of 12 lac tonnes per annum

In Deoria Shri Gadkari laid the foundation stone for widening of 15 km long Deoria Byepass section of NH 727 A at a cost of Rs 600 crore and 27.75 km long Kaptanganj-Padrauna section of NH 730 at a cost of Rs 275 crore.

ShriGadkari will also review the progress of highways projects in Uttar Pradesh with the state Chief Minister in Lucknow later today.

***

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananth Kumar addressing a press conference at the All Party Meeting, in New Delhi on January 28, 2018. The Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Statistics & Programme Implementation, Shri Vijay Goel and the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
30-January, 2018 19:42 IST
MoS Dr Jitendra Singh visits river Devika project site in Udhampur

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh visited the site of River Devika Cleaning Project in Udhampur today, which has been included in Government of India’s National River Conservation Project (NRCP).


He was accompanied by Member of Parliament Shri Shamsher Singh Manhas, Deputy Commissioner Shri Ravinder Kumar and other senior officers. He was informed that the cleaning process around river Devika had already started and the civil work of construction of cremation ghats etc, will be undertaken after the appraisal of the DPR by IIT experts, which may take some more time.

Earlier in the morning, Dr Jitendra Singh arrived at the venue of the 3-day “Vision 2018” exhibition, where he went around each of the stalls depicting achievements of different Ministries and Departments over the last 3 years of the Union Government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Addressing the students on the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh urged upon them to spend sufficient time in stalls depicting achievements of ISRO and other scientific departments. This, he said, might promote their hidden aptitude for scientific research and work.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, in the field of space technology, India has covered an incredible journey, beginning from singing of hymns of "Chandamama" to achieving a supremacy and credibility wherein even the most advanced nations of the world like USA and Russia today approach Indian scientists to launch their satellites from Indian Launching Stations like Sriharikota.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that we have vindicated our pledge to use Atomic Energy for peaceful purposes and today India has set an example as a nation with nuclear energy being major source for its ever-increasing needs.

In the field of economy, Dr Jitendra Singh said, under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the entire world is looking up to India to give a lead. It was evident more than enough at World Economic Forum at Davos.

*****
The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh visiting the site of river Devika project, at Udhampur on January 30, 2018.

The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh going around the various stalls of 3-day “Vision 2018” exhibition, at Udhampur on January 30, 2018.

The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh going around the various stalls of 3-day “Vision 2018” exhibition, at Udhampur on January 30, 2018.

The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh addressing the gathering, at the 3-day “Vision 2018” exhibition, at Udhampur on January 30, 2018.

***************
The sacred River Devika as mentioned in Vamana Purana, another mention of Devika river in Nilamatapurana, Sacred river devika as mentioned in Vishnupurana.

Vedas mention the sanctity of Devika and consider it as a powerful source to attain divinity. The river Devika is called the elder sister of the holy river Ganga. In Padma Purana, Lord Krishna once said to Yudhishtra, ‘Even river Ganga, when becomes overburdened by the sins of the evil-doers bathing for purification, herself comes to bathe in the Devika to get rid of that weight.’

 

[Hindustani78]

The green panel was hearing a plea filed by anenvironment activist.

NEW DELHI, January 30, 2018 22:42 IST
Updated: January 30, 2018 22:42 IST
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...gainst-diversion-of-ganga/article22597972.ece
This adversely affected aquatic life, river ecology: petitioner
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Tuesday issued notice to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Ministry of Environment and Forest among other authorities on a plea seeking an adequate flow of water in the Ganga

A bench headed by NGT acting chairperson U.D. Salvi sought replies from the authorities, including the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Ministry of Water Resources and the Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd, before March 8.

The directions came when the green panel was hearing a plea filed by environment activist Vikrant Tongad. He sought a direction from the court to ensure a minimum flow in the Ganga to maintain wildlife and river ecology.

It was alleged that a “substantial flow” of the Ganga was being diverted at Pashulok Barrage in Dehradun to a side canal for a hydroelectric power plant.

The petitioner alleged that due to the diversion, a stretch of the river from the barrage till Motichur in Haridwar had dried up. This in turn was adversely affecting aquatic life and river ecology.