PM chairs meeting of National Ganga River Basin Authority

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
17-April, 2018 18:25 IST
Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal administers ‘Swachhata Pledge’ to the officers and staff of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs

Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal administered the ‘Swachhata Pledge’ to the officers and staff of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs today, in connection with Swachhata Pakhwada being observed by the Ministry from 16th to 30th April 2018.

At the outset, Shri S.N. Tripathy, Secretary, Parliamentary Affairs read out the messages of the Hon’ble Speaker, Lok Sabha and Hon’ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha on Swachhata Pakhwada in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. Dr. Satyaprakash Khatana, Joint Secretary, Parliamentary Affairs informed about activities planned to be undertaken during the Swachhata Pakhwada.

An interactive session was also held in which Shri Meghwal and the officers and staff of the Ministry shared their experiences and views about the importance of cleanliness for healthy and prosperous life.

As a part of the Swachhata Pakhwada, a special cleanliness drive has been launched in the Ministry yesterday. Shri Tripathy visited every section and office of the Ministry to assess the state of cleanliness and instructed officers and officials to observe cleanliness and hygiene at work place and surrounding areas.

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Ministry of Water Resources
17-April, 2018 18:48 IST
Central Government hands over reference of MahanadiWater Disputes to the Tribunal Chairman and Supreme Court Judge, Justice A M Khanwilkar

Shri. U.P. Singh, Secretary Ministry of Water Resources, River Developmentand GangaRejuvenation handed over reference of Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal under Section 5 (1) of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act (ISRWD), 1956 to Hon’ble Justice A.M. Khanwilkar, Chairman of Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal and Judge of the Supreme Court today.

On 19.11.20116, the Odisha Government had submitted complaint under Section 3 of the ISRWD Act, 1956 to the Central Government for seeking constitution of Inter-State Water Disputes Tribunal for the adjudication of water disputes in respect of Mahanadi river between the riparian states of Odisha and Chhattisgarh. On this, the Ministry constituted a Negotiation Committee which held two meetings, but the negotiations were not successful. Odisha also filed Original Suit 1 of 2017in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court in their Order dated 23.01.2018 directed the Central Government to constitute a Tribunal for adjudication of disputes on river Mahanadi and also advised Odisha to present its plea before the Tribunal.

The Central Government constituted Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal on 12.03.2018 with the following composition:-

1. Mr. Justice A.M. Khanwilkar - Chairman

Judge of the Supreme Court of India

1. Dr. Justice Ravi Ranjan, - Member

Judge of the Patna High Court

1. Mrs. Justice Indermeet Kaur Kochhar, - Member

Judge of the Delhi High Court

Hon’ble Justice A.M. Khanwilkar was briefed by Secretary (WR, RD & GR) today, about the profile of Mahanadi river, development of water resource projects by various states and dispute in sharing of its waters. Hon’ble Justice was also briefed about the legal provisions for adjudication of water disputes. The Secretary (WR, RD & GR) assured the Hon’ble Justice A.M. Khanwilkar that Central Government is taking all necessary steps for early functioning of the Tribunal and sought his guidance on the road-map for resolving Mahanadi dispute.

Shri. U.P. Singh, Secretary Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation handing over reference of Mahanadi Water Disputes TribunalDisputes to the Tribunal Chairman and Supreme Court Judge, Justice A M Khanwilkar

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The Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar addressing at the launch of ‘Study in India’ Portal, through a video message, in New Delhi on April 18, 2018. The Union Minister for External Affairs, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, the Minister of State for Human Resource Development and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr. Satya Pal Singh and the Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Shri R. Subrahmanyam are also seen.

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at an event to launch the Atal Amrit Abhiyan by Assam Government, in Guwahati, Assam on April 18, 2018. The Governor of Assam, Prof. Jagadish Mukhi, the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu lighting the lamp to launch the Atal Amrit Abhiyan by Assam Government, in Guwahati, Assam on April 18, 2018. The Governor of Assam, Prof. Jagadish Mukhi, the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and the Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma are also seen.

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the gathering after launching the Atal Amrit Abhiyan by Assam Government, in Guwahati, Assam on April 18, 2018. The Governor of Assam, Prof. Jagadish Mukhi, the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the Minister for Health& Family Welfare, Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the gathering after launching the Atal Amrit Abhiyan by Assam Government, in Guwahati, Assam on April 18, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
19-April, 2018 13:33 IST
“Need to translate outcome of the deliberations on the ground”: Dr. Mahesh Sharma

Stakeholder Consultation on National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) inaugurated

Emphasizing the need to translate the outcome of the deliberations, in the form of suggestions on the ground, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma has said that the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is expected to play a crucial role in addressing the increasing air pollution across the country in a comprehensive manner. Inaugurating the two-day Stakeholder Consultation on NCAP here today, Dr. Sharma emphasised the impact of air pollution on health and general well-being of human, floral and faunal population. He said that stakeholders are and must act as “givers” to the society.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri C.K Mishra said, “While as a nation, we need to be concerned at the quality of air, as a Government we need to have that commitment to ensure that there is a defined time-frame that we may set for ourselves after today’s discussions”. He added that all the states and stakeholders need to spread the campaign for clean air across the country. The Secretary pointed out that technology is one of the critical elements of NCAP. “Let us together find solutions that are nationally acceptable, but more importantly, which are locally possible”, Shri Mishra stated.

The Stakeholder Consultation involves all the State Governments, considering that NCAP is a pan-India programme and inputs from states will be useful in evolving an effective implementation strategy. The overall objective of the NCAP is comprehensive management plan for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution besides augmenting the air quality monitoring network across the country. The NCAP focuses on collaborative and participatory approach covering all sources of pollution and coordination between relevant Central Ministries, State Governments, local bodies and other stakeholders.

The focus is on intensive awareness, training and capacity-building drive, with specific impetus on augmentation of manpower and infrastructure facilities of CPCB and SPCB under the capacity building component of NCAP. Separate components with emphasis on three tier mechanism for review of monitoring, assessment and inspection for effective implementation under NCAP. A credible, transparent and accountable data collection and monitoring system that is available for timely swift action is to be ensured.

Since air pollution mitigation necessitates collaborative efforts, the success of NCAP is expected to be determined by the participation and contribution of stakeholders. Accordingly, there is a need for consultation with various stakeholders viz. state governments, relevant ministries, institutes, academic institutions and industries. The approved NCAP has already been shared with state governments and has also been uploaded on the Ministry’s website for inviting comments from the public.

The key components of NCAP include - city-specific air pollution abatement action plan for 100 polluting cities of the country similar to one for Delhi, increasing the number of monitoring stations, data dissemination, public participation on planning and implementation, setting up of Air Information Centre for data analysis, resource apportionment studies, setting up of national inventory, guidelines for indoor air pollution and setting up of rural monitoring stations.

MoEF&CC has formalized the NCAP as a long-term time bound national level strategy to tackle the increasing air pollution problem across the country in a comprehensive manner. The total tentative cost of NCAP is estimated at Rs 637 crore.

Representatives from World Bank and The Energy Resources Institute (TERI), Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Shri Susheel Kumar, Secretary, DST, Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Additional Secretary, MoEF&CC, Shri A.K Jain, Joint Secretary, MoEF&CC, Smt. Manju Pandey, Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board, Shri S.P.S Parihar, Chairman, EPCA, Shri Bhure Lal and other officers of the Ministry were present at the inaugural session of the Consultation. In addition, officials from State Governments, including officials from SPCBs also participated in the Consultation.

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The Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma at the inauguration of the Stakeholder Consultation to Discuss National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), in New Delhi on April 19, 2018. The Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri C.K. Mishra, the Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, the Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Shri Susheel Kumar and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma addressing at the inauguration of the Stakeholder Consultation to Discuss National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), in New Delhi on April 19, 2018. The Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri C.K. Mishra, the Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, the Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Shri Susheel Kumar and other dignitaries are also seen.

 

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The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh calling on the Governor of Bihar, Shri Satya Pal Malik, in Patna on April 22, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
24-April, 2018 16:39 IST
Gadkari Instructs Officers to Complete All STP Projects in Time

Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Road Transport and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari chaired a review meeting of the ongoing STP Projects in Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal in New Delhi yesterday. Addressing senior officials of National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and contractors he directed that all the sanctioned projects in these states should be completed at the earliest.

Bihar has 20 sanctioned STP projects in ten towns including 11 in Patna, and one each in Buxar, Barh, Mokama, Naugachia, Sultanganj, Hajipur, Begusaria, Munger and Bhagalpur. The state has a projected sewage generation of 606 MLD by 2035. The existing sewage treatment capacity is 124 MLD. The sanctioned projects will add 538 MLD of sewage treatment capacity . Projects of 216 MLD capacity are ongoing while projects worth capacity of 322 MLD are at various stages of tendering.

In Patna, the 11 STP projects worth Rs 3237.69 crore will create total of 350 MLD sewage treatment capacity and lay down 1140.26 km of sewerage lines. The expected sewage load for the city by 2035 is 320 MLD. Once these projects are completed, no sewage water from Patna will flow into river Ganga. These projects will ensure that no untreated water goes into Ganga in Patna and sewer lines reach every household in the town. STP projects will also be taken up in Danapur, Phulwari Sharif, Sonepur, Chhapra, Fatuah, Bakhtiyarpur, Barauni and Kahelgaon in the current year.

West Bengal has 13 sanctioned STP projects in Gayespur, Kalyani, Halishahar, Bhatpara, Barrackpore, Budge-Budge, Berhampore, Nabadwip, Kamarhatim, Baranagar, Howrah, Bally and Kolkata. The state has a projected sewage generation of 1638 MLD by 2035. The existing sewage treatment capacity is 548 MLD. The sanctioned projects will add 295 MLD of sewage treatment capacity . Projects worth 80 MLD capacity are ongoing and projects worth 215 MLD are at various stages of tendering.

Jharkhand has two sanctioned STP projects at Sahibganj and Rajmahal. The state has a projected sewage generation of 16 MLD by 2035. The ongoing project of Sahibganj has a capacity to treat 12 MLD while the project of Rajmahal with a capacity of 3.5 MLD is under tendering process.

The progress of 39 Ghats and Crematoria projects on the bank of Ganga were also reviewed and officials have been asked to finish all projects by October 2018. In addition, the status of 37 polluting industrial units in Bihar and 41 industrial units in West Bengal situated on the banks of Ganga were also reviewed. While 40 industrial units in the two states have complied with the norms, 9 of these units have been closed. Closure notice has been issued to 10 units and show cause notice to 19 units.

Shri Gadkari, along with Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr. Satya Pal Singh, also released the February-March, 2018 issue of monthly magazine ‘Namami Gange’on the occasion and expressed the hope that all the stake holders will put up in their best efforts to realize the dream of our Prime Minister and our Government of making Ganga ‘Aviral and Nirmal.’

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The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari chairing a review meeting of ongoing STP Projects in Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, at New Delhi on April 23, 2018. The Minister of State for Human Resource Development and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr. Satya Pal Singh is also seen.

 

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Ministry of Water Resources
28-April, 2018 17:39 IST
Centre to give assistance for completing 8 major and 83 minor irrigation projects in drought prone areas of Maharashtra

The Expenditure Finance Committee of Union Finance Ministry appraised and accepted on 27th April 2018, the proposal of Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation to provide Central Assistance for completion of balance works of 83 Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI) projects and 8 Major/Medium Irrigation projects of Vidarbha , Marathwada and drought prone areas of rest of Maharashtra. These projects would help in addressing agrarian distress by creation of additional irrigation potential of 3.77 lakh ha. The estimated balance cost of these projects is Rs. 13651.61 Crore. Maharashtra state can avail State Share through NABARD loan. The SMI projects would be completed in two years time and Major/Medium projects would be completed in phases by 2022-23.

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[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
29-April, 2018 11:42 IST
English rendering of PM’s address in Mann Ki Baat Programme on All India Radio (29.04.2018)

Adalaj and Patan Ki Raniki Vaav (Baodi) in Gujarat is a UNESCO World Heritage site and its grandeur is to be seen to be believed. Baodis are water temples in a way. If you happen to go to Rajasthan, you must visit Chand Baodi. This is one of the biggest and the most beautiful baodis of India and the point to be noted is that this is situated in a water-scarce area. April, May, June and July is the most suitable time when rain water harvesting can be done and if we make preparations in advance, we can reap a rich harvest. Budget under MNREGA is also utilized for this water conservation activity. During the last three years, everyone in his or her own way has contributed towards water conservation and water management.


The Ganges and the Yamuna have plentiful of water but there are many other places in Uttar Pradesh like Fatehpur district where two small rivers namely Sasur-Khaderi got dried out. After receiving the reports of Remote Sensing Imagery and Inter Department Coordination, the district administration took up the responsibility of soil and water conservation on a massive scale. They succeeded in reviving the dried out Sasur Khaderi river with the help and cooperation of people from 40-45 villages of the area. This grand achievement is a big boon for animals, birds, farmers, crops and villages. I emphasis that once again April, May, June and July are before us and we must also take up some responsibility for water harvesting and water conservation, we should also chalk out some schemes, we should also do and show something.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
02-May, 2018 18:10 IST
‘Government has Made Serious Efforts to Deal with Air Pollution’: Environment Ministry

Air Quality Data for 2017 & 2018 Shows Improvement in Air Quality

A section of the media has carried reports today, quoting a World Health Organisation study that has highlighted the problem of air pollution till 2016 and has inferred that 14 most polluted cities in the world are located in India. The WHO report indicates that Delhi is placed at no. 6 with an annual average Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 concentration as 143 micrograms per cubic metre in 2016. However, the Government has made serious efforts to deal with air pollution. Data for the year 2017 for PM 2.5 shows an improvement over 2016 and so far in 2018, it shows a further improvement, as compared to 2017. The Government has also taken several bold initiatives, including leap-frogging from BS-IV to BS-VI.

In the context of air pollution, CPCB data based on Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) indicates that the annual average PM 2.5 concentration in the year 2016 as 134 micrograms per cubic metre and as 125 micrograms per cubic metre in the year 2017. Similarly, for PM 10 the figures were 289 micrograms per cubic metre in the year 2016 and 268 micrograms per cubic metre in the year 2017. Therefore, even PM 10 levels have come down in the year 2017 against 2016.

The improvement in Particulate Matter concentration in Delhi has happened in spite of episodic events in two successive years in November 2016 and November 2017. During these months, in addition to local emissions, there was substantial contribution from regional sources, including smoke due to stubble burning in neighbouring states and dust from Gulf countries.

The newspaper reports also highlight observations by various experts suggesting that action similar to that in Delhi and NCR be also taken in other polluted cities.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has already taken action in the matter. In July 2016, all non-attainment cities were given a set of 42 action points for improving on air quality. As a follow-up, 94 non-attainment cities were also asked to prepare detailed action plans for improving upon air quality depending on their local conditions. CPCB also organised seven workshops at various locations in different states, in which guidelines for preparing these plans were disseminated. Subsequently, out of 94 non-attainment cities, action plans for 61 cities have already been received and concerned States have been requested to steer implementation of action plans in these cities.

Given that most of the polluted cities are located in and around Delhi and along the Indo-Gangetic plain, it is critical that the state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal are further sensitised to take up urgent action on cleaning air in cities under their jurisdiction.

Significant action has been taken in Delhi and NCR, including the formulation of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) by CPCB. Other measures taken include - a comprehensive action plan by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; ban on petcoke in Delhi and NCR; strict surveillance over coal-fired plants; strict action against construction activities; regular field surveillance by CPCB teams starting from September 2017; augmentation of air quality monitoring stations in Delhi and NCR; upgradation of Central Control Room in CPCB; integration of data on air quality from stations of Indian Meteorological Department (IMD); Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB); launching a Mobile App called SAMEER for grievance redressal; coordinate action at national-level through a high-level task force in the PMO; Central government scheme to encourage in-situ management of crop residue and reduce stubble burning; regular monitoring and directions by the Minister and Secretary, MoEFCC.

Besides, National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched by MoEFCC in April, 2018 and this was preceded by Clean Air Programme in Delhi in February 2018 to sensitise the public in general and implementing agencies in particular. It is noteworthy that almost 1 million vehicles are added on the roads of Delhi every year and in spite of increased construction activities and vehicular movement, air quality in Delhi is showing signs of improvement.

With similar intervention in other polluted cities and active participation of ULBs and state governments, air quality is expected to improve further.



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[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari addressing a press conference on Namami Gange Programme, in New Delhi on May 10, 2018. The Union Minister for Drinking Water & Sanitation, Sushri Uma Bharti 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 Water Resources
10-May, 2018 16:01 IST
We hope To Clean 70 to 80 Percent Ganga by March 2019: Nitin Gadkari



“We hope to clean 70 to 80 percent Ganga by March 2019. It is a general perception that nothing significant is being done under Namami Gange Programme but this is not correct. 251 Gross Polluting Industries (GPI) have been closed and closure directions have been issued to non complying GPIs”. This was stated by Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari while addressing a press conference in New Delhi today. The Press conference was also linked to Patna, Varanasi, Lucknow and Kanpur through video. The Minister said, real time monitoring of pollutions is being done in 938 industries. 211 main ‘Nallas’ have been identified which are causing pollution in Ganga and 20 modular STPs are being deployed to treat Nalla water. Regular review meetings with all the states government officials, contractors, consultants are being done and obstacles regarding DPR’s, Tendering Process, finalisation of design, Payment to contractors are being removed for speedy completion of Projects.

Addressing the press conference Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation Sushri Uma Bharti said that almost all the 4470 villages on the bank of Ganga are now Open Defecation Free (ODF) and now we are working on the strategy of ODF plus. She said measures like Solid-Liquid waste management, tree plantation, making villages and towns plastic free and awareness programmes are being adopted. Sushri Bharti said, “Our Ministry is working on Ganga Gran Project which is based on holistic development of villages situated on the bank of River Ganga with active participation of villages. Organic Farming, Water Conservation Project, proper disposal of solid and Liquid waste and renovation of Ponds will be emphasized in Ganga Grams”.


Namami Gange an integrated Ganga Conservation Mission is an umbrella programme with the aim to integrate previous, currently ongoing and new projects planned as part of the programme at an indicative cost of Rs. 20,000 crore. The programme is to be implemented over a period of five years ending on December 2020. ‘Namami Gange’ approaches Ganga Rejuvenation by consolidating the existing and ongoing efforts and planning for a comprehensive action plan for future.

Under Namami Gange programme, a total of 195 projects have been sanctioned for various activities such as sewage infrastructure, ghats and crematoria development, river front development, river surface cleaning, institutional development, biodiversity conservation, afforestation, rural sanitation, and public participation.


102 projects out of 195 were sanctioned for creation of 2369 MLD new sewage treatment plants (STPs), rehabilitation of 887 MLD of existing STPs and laying/rehabilitation of 4722 km sewer network for abatement of pollution in river Ganga and Yamuna. Till date 24 projects have been completed which has created 217 MLD STP capacity, rehabilitated 62 MLD STP capacity and 1879.5 km of sewer network has been laid. Presently, 45 sewage infrastructure projects are under execution. These projects envisage creating 841 MLD sewage treatment capacities. Another 33 projects are under various stages of tendering. In a paradigm shift in sewage sector in the past one year, works on two STP projects (50 MLD in Varanasi and 82 MLD in Haridwar) have been started under Hybrid Annuity PPP mode (HAM). Other projects sanctioned under HAM are Naini, Jhusi, Phaphamau, Unnao, Shuklaganj, Mathura, Kanpur, Mirzapur, Gazipur and Farrukhabad in Uttar Pradesh; Digha, Kankarbagh and Bhagalpur in Bihar; Howrah, Bally and Tolly’s Nalla (Kolkata), Kamarhati and Baranagar in West Bengal. These sewage management projects will take care of the current gap in sewage treatment and will also sustain the sewage treatment for future.

Initiatives taken by NMCG


Among some of the new initiatives that have been taken by National Mission for Clean Ganga are “One City One Operator” as part of which STPs in 7 towns (Kanpur, Allahabad, Mathura, Patna, Kolkata, Howrah-Bally, Bhagalpur) are being integrated and tendered with Hybrid Annuity based projects. Four have already been tendered (Kanpur, Allahabad, Mathura and Kolkata. The focus under Namami Gange programme has been on 10 major towns contributing almost 64% of total sewage discharge. Apart from that performance evaluation of existing STPs have been completed in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and project engineers for Haridwar and Varanasi projects have been appointed. Besides, annual inspection of GPIs through technical institutions in a time bound manner along with close monitoring of milestones is being done. New projects are being taken up on tributaries.

For River Front Development, works at 152 ghats and 54 crematoria are in progress and expected to be completed by 2018 at an estimated cost of Rs. 683.32 crore. Patna River Front Development project worth Rs 254.52 crore is at advanced stage of completion (more than 85% work done). Under this, 20 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. One project of RFD at Chandi ghat in Haridwar involving a cost of about Rs. 50 crore is 68% complete.

44 Real Time Water Quality Monitoring Station (RTWQMS) are operational under Namami Gange programme to keep water quality check. As abatement of industrial pollution which has been a prime focus of National Mission for Clean Ganga, survey of all 938 Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs) was conducted. Out of 938 GPIs, 251 were closed and closure notices were given to non-complying GPIs.

11 trash skimmers have been deployed at Haridwar, Garh Mukhteshwar, Kanpur, Varanasi, Allahabad, Patna, Sahibganj, Nabadwip, Howrah, Delhi and Mathura-Vrindavan.


On rural sanitation front, all 4465 villages on the bank of river Ganga have been made Open Defecation Free (ODF) and 10,83,688 Individual Household Toilets have been constructed. Five State Ganga Committees and 48 District Ganga Committees on main stem of River Ganga, constituted for effective monitoring of projects and activities.


Five crore plants are being planted along Ganga basin as part of the afforestation drive involving an amount of Rs. 112 crores intended for preventing erosion of soil and groundwater recharge in the Ganga basin. A comprehensive bio-diversity conservation programme is being undertaken through Wildlife Institute of India involving a cost of Rs. 25 crore. Afforestation campaign with public participation has been taken up.


A Composite Ecological Task Force with headquarters at Allahabad and three companies of 100 men each is being raised with Territorial Army. They would be taking up plantation, public awareness, patrolling of river fronts and monitoring of river pollution.



In Uttarakhand, 31 projects have been sanctioned out of which 13 have been completed and in 18 work is under progress. The projects in Kirtinagar, Tapovan, Uttarkashi,


Rishikesh are likely to be completed by June 2018, projects in Joshimath, Srinagar, Haridwar network by Nov 2018 and projects in Badrinath, Chamoli, Nandprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnprayag, Haridwar (Interception and Diversion work) by December 2018.


In Uttar Pradesh, 30 projects have been sanctioned out of which eight have been completed and work is under progress on nie projects. Three tenders are under evaluation and 10 under tendering. The completed projects include projects in Allahabad (completed in year four 2015, 2016) and four projects (Garhmukteshwar, Kannauj, Anupshahar and Narora) in April 2018. The projects which are likely to be completed are [Allahabad Dist C and Dist E (Additional) by May 2018, Moradabad by June 2018, Varanasi (JICA- Dinapur) by July 2018, Kanpur (Sismau nala), Allahabad Dist A by October 2018 Allahabad Dist B and Varanasi (Ramana) by December 2019. Tenders are under evaluation for Chunar and Mathura. The projects under tendering are Bithoor, Ramnagar, Unnao, Shuklaganj, Kanpur (Pankha), Allahabad (Jhusi, Naini, and Phaphamau), Farrukhabad, Mirzapur, Ghazipur, rehabilitation of existing STPs in Allahabad


In Bihar, 20 projects have been sanctioned out of which work is under progress on 10 projects while four are under evaluation and six under tendering. The locations where work is under progress are Buxar and in various zones of Patna. In Barh, Sultanganj, Mokama,

Naugachia tenders have been received and evaluation is in process whereas tenders are to be floated for Bhagalpur, Digha and Kankarbagh zones of Patna.


In Jharkhand, two projects are under progress in Sahibganj where a 12 MLD STP, 55 km Sewer are being constructed. The project is likely to be completed by December 2018. Another project in Rajmahal of creation of 3.5 MLD STP, 34 km sewer has recently been awarded and likely to be completed by June 2019.


In West Bengal, there are 15 projects that have been sanctioned out of which two have been completed; work is under progress on four projects while four others are under tendering. For five projects tenders have to be floated.


Click below for Presentation on Namami Gange Programme

Click below Project list




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[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar chairing the Hindi Consultant Committee meeting, in New Delhi on May 14, 2018. The Minister of State for Human Resource Development and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr. Satya Pal Singh is also seen.

The Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar chairing the Hindi Consultant Committee meeting, in New Delhi on May 14, 2018. The Minister of State for Human Resource Development and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr. Satya Pal Singh is also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation
11-May, 2018 19:31 IST
71 Union Ministries/Departments allocate 16.5 thousand Crore rupees for Swachhata

Nearly Rs 16.5 thousand crores have been earmarked by 71 Ministries/Departments of Government of India to take up swachhata activities within their own spheres during the FY 2018-19. This earmarking is over and above the budget of Ministries in-charge of sanitation in the country, i.e. Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation for Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban). The Swachhata Action Plan (SAP) 2018-19 was launched by the Cabinet Secretary, Shri P.K Sinha in New Delhi today at a meeting of Union Secretaries and senior officials. The SAP Compendium 2018-19 was also released on this occasion. Several Ministries are in the process of increasing their commitment of funds.

Swachhata Action Plan (SAP) is a part of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s vision that Swachhata has to be everyone’s business in order for the nation to realize its collective vision of a Clean India. This inter-ministerial collaborative project commenced in April 2017, whereby Ministries and Departments were advised to go beyond business as usual and implement innovative and outcome-based Swachhata activities.

The Committee of Secretaries led by the Cabinet Secretary today reviewed the implementation of SAP 2017-18 by Union Ministries/Departments. During the last year, Union Ministries had allocated over Rs18 thousand crores. At the review, the Cabinet Secretary underlined that efforts under SAP need to be sustained by the respective Ministries. The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that all Secretaries need to personally monitor implementation of SAP on a regular basis. He further suggested that each Ministry should look beyond its own programmes and schemes and bring innovation in implementation of SAP with more enthusiasm and energy. He called for a higher allocation of funds and higher utilization in SAP.

Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Parameswaran Iyer gave a presentation on the performance of the Swachhata Action Planfor the year 2017-18. He also presented a brief on SAP 2018-19, which will be implemented by Ministries and Departments during the current FY.

Selected Ministries/ Departments who had performed well in SAP last year also presented their success stories at the review meeting.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
15-May, 2018 18:13 IST
DARPG to observe ‘Swachhata Pakhwada’ from 16th May

The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, will observe ‘SwachhataPakhwada’ at its premises from May 16 to 31, 2018. Smt. MeenakshiLekhi, MP (Lok Sabha), New Delhi and Member, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice will attend the launch of SwachhataAbhiyan at Sardar Patel Bhawantomorrow on 16.05.2018 to renew and reinforce the concept of cleanliness among the officers and staff of the Department.



The Department has prepared achronological plan of activities during the ‘SwachhataPakhwada’. The activities include recording, reviewing and weeding out of old records, conducting auction of old and obsolete items, cleaning of fans, furniture and other electronic items.It is also planned to clean office premises, canteens, toilets, and surrounding areas adjacent to the building during the Pakhwada. Other activities also include acquisition of potted plants to create an eco- friendly environment. A Poster(s)/Slogan Competition will also be organised on the theme of Swachh Bharat on the occasion. The best workstation will also be declared in the Department and an appreciation certificate will be awarded to the winner.



The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh and a senior officer from M/o Drinking Water & Sanitation are scheduled to visit the office premises on May 29, 2018to inspect the implementation of the Swachhata Action Plan.



The Department has implemented 100% e-office and digitised allrecords. The physical files which were not required to be retained have been removed. The Department has replaced plastic bottles by glass bottles and also arranged potted plants to create eco-friendly environment.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
17-May, 2018 11:42 IST
Environment Ministry Forms 19 Teams to Undertake Cleaning of Beaches, River Fronts and Lakes in Nine Coastal States

Dr Harsh Vardhan asks School Principals to Take Steps to Become Plastic Free in the Run-Up to World Environment Day

In the build-up to the World Environment Day 2018, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has formed 19 teams to take up cleaning of beaches, river fronts and lakes in the country. Cleaning up of around 24 beaches in nine (9) coastal states (list attached) and cleaning of river fronts in 24 identified polluted stretches in 19 states (list attached) will be undertaken. Besides the listed rivers, a special cleanliness drives will be carried out at Yamuna riverfront in Delhi. Certain lakes and water bodies have also been identified for cleaning.

The 19 teams will include senior officers of MoEF&CC, state nodal agencies in-charge of eco-clubs of schools, State Pollution Control Boards, district administration, college of fisheries located along the coastal stretches and other educational/research institutions. The teams will involve school children, college students and local communities in the cleaning exercise. The Ministry will be engaging Eco-club schools, which are being provided assistance from MoEF&CC under the National Green Corps programme.

An amount of Rs. 10 lakh has been earmarked for each stretch of beach, river front and lake. Cleaning up around important archaeological sites will also be taken up. The clean-up activities have started from May 15 and will conclude on June 5. During this period, various cultural programmes, quiz competition, debate, awareness rallies will also be organized.

State Nodal Agencies (SNAs) are the nodal points for implementing the programme of the Ministry in every State. For the cleaning the water bodies, the Ministry has identified the stretches in consultation with SNAs and institutional heads from College of Fisheries, which are near the water bodies in each State. The cleaning programme will involve students from various schools and colleges and will also include members from NGOs, National Cadet Corps (NCC), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Coast Guard and citizens. Cleaning equipment such as brooms, baskets, gloves for children and dustbins will be provided, as well as transportation arrangements will also be made. The waste collected from the beaches and river fronts will be safely disposed off to identified sites, in coordination with local municipal authorities.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, has written to the Principals of schools across the country, requesting them to declare their schools /institutions free from plastic pollution. The Ministry will certify schools that become plastic free and publicize the harmful effects of plastics in a mission mode by undertaking following activities like -

• No plastic items may be used in schools such as plastic water bottles, plastic bags, plastic cups, plastic plates, plastic water jugs, plastic folders/trays/penstands etc.
• Adopt a water body, pond, wetland, beaches or eco-sensitive area etc. in or around schools/colleges and make them plastic free.
• Cleanliness drives to be undertaken on prescribed holidays between April to May.

At the end of the programme, the Minister will be awarding certificates titled ‘Green School/college’ to institutions that declare themselves free from plastic pollution. The programme will be monitored by senior officers of the Ministry, regional offices of MoEF&CC and district administration. Union Minister for MoEF&CC will issue certificates to all participating schools and colleges as an appreciation of their efforts.

Besides the above mentioned cleanliness drives, the Ministry will organize a mini-marathon at Vinay Marg on June 3, to spread awareness on proper utilization of plastic. The marathon will be attended by students from Delhi-NCR. Around 10 thousand to 15 thousand people are expected to participate in the mini-marathon. Simultaneously, marathons will also be organized in five other cities - Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Gangtok, Bhopal and Bhubaneswar the same day.

India is the global host of World Environment Day celebrations 2018, the largest UN-led celebrations on environment. The theme of this year’s edition of World Environment Day is - “Beat Plastic Pollution”. In this regard, the Ministry has drawn up several programmes and activities scheduled to begin from May 2018 onwards. Some of the activities drawn up for the World Environment Day celebrations include – activities in Vigyan Bhawan, exhibitions on Rajpath lawns and activities in various states.



State-wise list of river fronts:

Serial No.

States

Riverfront

1.

Andhra Pradesh

1. Godavari

2.

Goa

1. Mandovi

3.

Gujarat

1. Sabarmati
2. Tapti

4.

Karnataka

1. Pennar,
2. Cauvery

5.

Kerala

1. Bharatpurra

6.

Madhya Pradesh

1. Narmada

7.

Maharashtra

1. Krishna,
2. MulaMutha

8.

Odisha

1. Mahanadi

9.

Punjab

1. Satluj

10.

Sikkim

1. Rani Chu

11.

Tamil Nadu

1. Vaigai

12.

Telangana

1. Musi

13.

Uttar Pradesh

1. (Kanpur) Ganga,
2. (Varanasi) Ganga

14.

Uttarakhand

1. Ganga

15.

Bihar

1. Ganga

16.

Himachal Pradesh

1. Beas,
2. Satluj

17.

West Bengal

1. Hooghly

18.

Rajasthan

1. Chambal in Kota

19.

Haryana

1. Ghaggar

State-wise list of beaches:

Serial No.

States

Beaches

1.

Andhra Pradesh

1. Mypadu
2. Pulicate Lake
3. KothaKoduru

2.

Goa

1. Calangute
2. Miramar
3. Colva

3.

Gujarat

1. Veraval
2. Porbandar
3. Mangrol

4.

Karnataka

1. Panambur,
2. Malpe,
3. Gokarna,
4. Karwar

5.

Kerala

1. Kanur
2. Calicut

6.

Maharashtra

1. Mirya,
2. Ganpatipule

7.

Odisha

1. Puri,
2. Paradip

8.

Tamil Nadu

1. Palavakkam,
2. Kanyakumari
3. Thiruvotriyur/Ennore

9.

West Bengal

1. Bakkhali,
2. Tajpur

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[Hindustani78]

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Shri Rajiv Mehrishi, the Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Parameswaran Iyer and other dignitaries participating the pit-emptying exercise as a part of an ODF-Sustainability workshop for the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), in Pandharewadi gram panchayat, Daund block of Pune district, Maharashtra on May 17, 2018.