PM chairs meeting of National Ganga River Basin Authority

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
27-March, 2017 16:51 IST
Rejuvenation of River Ganga

Conservation and cleaning of river Ganga is a continuous and collective effort of Central Govt, State Govts, Local bodies and general public. The Ganga cleanliness commenced in 1985 under Ganga Action Plan (GAP)-I. The GAP-I was completed in 2000. While GAP-I was under implementation, GAP-II was started in 1993, which was later merged with National River Conservation Programme (NRCP). In 2009, NGRBA programme was launched. In 2014, Namami Gange Programme, an Integrated Ganga Conservation Mission was approved. Namami Gange Mission, envisaged as an umbrella programme, aims at integrating previous & currently ongoing initiatives (e.g. projects under NGRBA programme) by enhancing efficiency, extracting synergies and supplementing them with more comprehensive and better coordinated interventions.


Under Namami Gange Programme a holistic approach has been adopted to clean the river Ganga. The various types of pollution abatement schemes taken up to clean Ganga may be categorized into core and non-core schemes. Core schemes include Interception and Diversion (I&D) of sewage discharging into the Ganga and creating treatment infrastructure to treat the intercepted sewage. Non-Core schemes include providing Low Cost Sanitation (LCS) at community and individual levels at identified locations, installation of Crematoria (electric as well as wood based improved crematoria), River Front Development (RFD) including bathing ghats, River Surface Cleaning (Surface Skimmers), Afforestation, protecting biodiversity and creating public awareness and participation.


Under Core-Area Scheme:

The treatment capacities sanctioned/created so far for river Ganga are given below:


· Under GAP-I and GAP-II 1098.31 Million liter per day (MLD) treatment capacity created.

· Under Namami Gange Programme till 20th March 2017, 145 projects are sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 10,730.71 Crores. Out of these 72 projects are sanctioned for creation of 932.84 MLD new Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), rehabilitation of 1091.00 MLD of STP and laying/rehabilitation of 4031.41 km sewer network for abatement of pollution in river Ganga and Yamuna. Till date 13 projects are completed which has created 198.13 MLD STP capacity (153.1 MLD for river Ganga and 45 MLD for Yamuna river) and laid 1147.75 km of sewerage network.

Under Non-Core Area Scheme:



· Low Cost Sanitation: Ganga Gram initiative has been conceptualized to promote rural sanitation in the villages located on the banks of river Ganga with an aim to reduce the pollution load on the river Ganga from such villages. The major activities included in Ganga Gram are making villages open defecation free, management of village solid and liquid wastes entering in the river and increasing pollution load, promotion of organic farming to control pollution from use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture, plantation of medicinal plants, rejuvenation of village ponds and ground water recharging, setting up crematoria etc. Till date, 1002456 Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs) have been constructed and 3253 villages have been declared open defecation free.

· Crematoria and Bathing Ghats: Total 34 projects having 296 Bathing Ghats and Crematoria (180 Bathing Ghats + 116 Crematoria) have been sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs. 1132.90 Crores and these projects are under various stage of implementation. River front development projects at Chandighat Haridwar, Assi Ghat Varanasi and Patna are also under implementation.

· River Surface Cleaning: Surface skimmers machines for 11 cities, i.e. Rishikesh, Haridwar, Garh mukteshwar, Kanpur, Varanasi, Allahabad, Mathura-Vrindavan, Patna, Sahibganj, Nababdeep and Kolkata have been sanctioned, out of which machines at 3 locations i.e. Allahabad, Patna and Sahibganj are under operation.

· An amount of Rs. 1039.79 crore has been spent on cleaning of river Ganga during the last three years.

Water quality monitoring of river Ganga in 5 States is carried out on a monthly basis by respective State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs). The water quality assessment indicates that water quality does not meet the bathing water quality criteria in the vicinity of Down Stream (D/s) Haridwar in Uttarakhand, Garmukhteswar, D/s Kannauj to D/s Allahabad and Beharampore to Diamond Harbour in West Bengal.

The annual variation does not indicate any sustained improvement or degradation in water quality and the long term trends only can show the improvement or degradation in water quality.

The summary of Water Quality as Minimum & Maximum values for criteria parameters putting together all the locations (63 locations) for River Ganga is provided below:

As can be seen from the table, there is a fluctuation in the water quality parameters over the years.


This information was given by Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
30-March, 2017 14:41 IST
Sewage Treatment Plants Under Gap

Namami Gange aims to focus on pollution abatement interventions namely Interception, diversion & treatment of waste water flowing through the open drains through bio-remediation / appropriate in-situ treatment / use of innovative technologies / Sewage Treatment Plant (STPs) / Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs); rehabilitation and augmentation of existing STPs and Immediate short term measures for arresting pollution at exit points on river front to prevent inflow of sewage etc. into the river; Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) for major industrial clusters and Operation & Maintenance (O&M) for a definite period etc. Apart from these projects, interventions on rural sanitation, river front development / management, solid waste / pious refuse management, sewerage network, river surface cleaning, afforestation and bio-diversity conservation also included.

Under Namami Gange Programme till 20th March 2017, 145 projects are sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 10,730.71 Crores. Out of these 72 projects are sanctioned for creation of 932.84 million litres per day (MLD) new STP and rehabilitation of 1091.00 MLD of STP and laying/rehabilitation of 4031.41 km sewer network for abatement of pollution in river Ganga and Yamuna. Till date 13 projects are completed which has created 198.13 MLD STP capacity (153.1 MLD for river Ganga and 45 MLD for Yamuna River) and laid 1147.75 km of sewerage network.

Under Ganga Action Plan (GAP-I) and GAP-II, 1098.31 MLD sewage treatment capacity has been created. 261 projects were approved at an estimated cost of Rs. 462.04 Crore. GAP-I was completed in 2000 at a total expenditure of Rs. 455.73 Crore. All schemes under GAP – 1 have been completed. Under GAP-II, 314 projects were approved at an estimated cost of Rs 591.05 Crore. Total fund released by Government of India was Rs. 522.11 Crore. Later GAP scheme was merged with National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) in 1996.

Namami Gange (Integrated Ganga Conservation Mission under National Ganga River Basin Authority) programme was introduced in 2014 as an umbrella programme, with the aim of integrating previous & currently ongoing initiatives by enhancing efficiency, extracting synergies and supplementing them with more comprehensive & better coordinated interventions. The Cabinet approved the Namami Gange programme on 13th May, 2015 for Rs. 20,000 crore. Component A of the Namami Gange program comprises of all the ongoing programme including existing projects sanctioned under National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) programme.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Vijay Goel in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Water Resources
30-March, 2017 14:39 IST
Cleaning of Ganga River

Conservation and cleaning of river Ganga is a continuous and collective effort of Central Government, State Governments, Local bodies and general public.

Under Namami Gange Programme a holistic approach has been adopted to clean the river Ganga. The various types of pollution abatement schemes taken up to clean Ganga may be categorized into core and non-core schemes. Core schemes include Interception and Diversion (I&D) of sewage discharging into the Ganga and creating treatment infrastructure to treat the intercepted sewage. Non-Core schemes include providing Low Cost Sanitation (LCS) at community and individual levels at identified locations, installation of Crematoria (electric as well as wood based improved crematoria), River Front Development(RFD) including bathing ghats, river surface cleaning, afforestation, protecting biodiversity and creating public awareness and participation.


Water quality monitoring of river Ganga in five states is carried out on monthly basis by respective State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs). The annual variation in water quality parameters does not indicate any sustained improvement or degradation in water quality and the long term trends only can show the improvement or degradation in water quality.


The four stretches of river Ganga where Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels are more than permissible limits, as monitored by CPCB, is given in table below.

State
Stretch
Identified Length of stretch (km)
BOD range/ max value (mg/l)

Uttarakhand
Haridwar to SultanpurAdampur
10
4.2-5.8


Uttar Pradesh
Kannauj to Varanasi
450
3.8-16.9


Bihar
Buxar to Bhagalpur
40
7.8-27

West Bengal
Tribeni to Diamond Harbour
50
3.1-5.8


In other stretches, BOD levels are within permissible limit i.e = <3mg/l. However, as per monitoring reports of CPCB, entire stretch of river Ganga has high levels of faecal coliform against the prescribed standard.


This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Vijay Goel in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Water Resources
30-March, 2017 14:37 IST
Industries Polluting Ganga River

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has identified a total of 764 Grossly Polluting Industries (industry discharging more than pollution load of BOD 100kg per day) along the entire stretch of river Ganga and its tributaries.

From December 2015 to January 2017, 573 inspections have been carried out by CPCB covering 302 GPIs. 141 units were found to be complying with stipulated norms, 96 were found non-complying and 65 were found closed. Closure directions were issued to 45 non-complying units, show cause notices to 37 and letters to 14 non-complying units.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Vijay Goel in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

*****


Ministry of Water Resources
30-March, 2017 14:31 IST
Aquatic Life in Ganga River

The Government has recently launched a survey in river Ganga to determine the population of aquatic life including that of the endangered Gangetic dolphin. National Mission for Clean Ganga has entrusted Wild Life Institute of India (WII), Dehradun to carry out a comprehensive survey of the aqua life of Ganga. As part of this project WII has initiated a standardized multi- species focus field survey throughout the Ganga River stretch. The survey focuses on the Gangetic Dolphin, Otter, Crocodiles, Fresh water turtles, migratory and breeding water birds, Amphibians, Fish and aquatic insects.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Vijay Goel in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

*****

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Shipping
05-April, 2017 17:08 IST
PM to Lay The Foundation Stone of a Multi-Modal Terminal on River Ganga at Sahibganj in Jharkhand Tomorrow

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of a multi-modal terminal on River Ganga at Sahibganj in Jharkhand tomorrow.

The multi-modal terminal is an important component of the development of the National Waterway-1 from Varanasi to Haldia, a distance of 1390 km. NW-1 is being developed under the Jal Marg Vikas Project of the Inland Waterways Authority of India, with the technical and financial assistance of World Bank at an estimated cost of Rs. 5369 crore. The project would enable commercial navigation of vessels with capacity of 1500-2,000 DWT.

The Sahibganj terminal is the second out of three multi-modal terminals to be constructed on NW-1. Earlier in May 2016, IWAI had awarded the contract for the construction of a multi-modal terminal at Varanasi. The third terminal will be constructed at Haldia in West Bengal. The work is expected to commence soon at Haldia. Construction of terminals is essential to facilitate transhipment and movement of bulk cargo on NW-1.

The state of the art terminal at Sahibganj will have a cargo handling capacity of 2.24 Million Tons Per Annum (MTPA) on completion in 2019. The contract for the construction of the terminal has been awarded to M/s L&T Infrastructure Ltd at an estimated cost of Rs 280 crore. The terminal facilities will include berthing space for two vessels, stockyard, conveyor belt system with hoppers, barge loaders, shore protection works, roads, ramps, parking area, and terminal buildings.

A Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) terminal at Sahibganj will provide critical connectivity with Bihar at Manihari. About 100 trucks have already started using the facility at Sahibganj. The crossing of trucks through Ro-Ro facility would save a lot of time, cost and fuel in road transport.

The construction of the multi-modal terminal at Sahibganj and the overall development of NW-1 will contribute significantly to the creation of business and employment opportunities in Jharkhand, particularly in the rural areas. It will also provide critical last mile connectivity to the hinterland of Jharkhand. The state is richly endowed with mineral resources. The multi-modal terminal at Sahibganj will play an important role in transportation of domestic coal from the local mines in Rajmahal area to various thermal power plants located along NW-1. Other than coal, stone chips, fertilisers, cement and sugar are other commodities expected to be transported through the terminal.

The construction of the multi-modal terminal and Ro-Ro terminal will also help to create direct employment of about 600 people and indirect employment of about 3000 people.

National Waterway-1 (NW-1) is a waterway of national significance passing through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, serving the major cities of Haldia, Howrah, Kolkata, Bhagalpur, Patna, Ghazipur, Varanasi, Allahabad and their industrial hinterland including several industries located in the Ganga basin. The rail and road corridors in this region are heavily saturated. Hence, the development of NW-1 would provide an alternative, viable, economical, efficient and eco-friendly mode of transport. The waterway will act as a catalyst in the socio-economic development of the regions by creating new business and employment opportunities.

*****

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
06-April, 2017 18:35 IST
PM launches development projects in Jharkhand

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today launched development projects at Sahebganj in Jharkhand.

He laid the Foundation Stone of a 4-lane bridge over the River Ganga, and a multi-modal terminal. The multi-modal terminal is an important component of the development of the National-Waterway 1 from Varanasi to Haldia.

The Prime Minister inaugurated the 311 kilometre Govindpur-Jamtara-Dumka-Sahebganj highway; and dedicated to the nation, a solar power facility at Sahebganj District Court Premises and Sahebganj District Hospital.

The Prime Minister also symbolically distributed certificates of appointment to constables of the Paharia Special India Reserve Battalion; and Smartphones to women entrepreneurs of Self-Help Groups.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that these development projects will benefit the Santhal Pargana area, and lead to greater empowerment of the tribal communities. He said that the poor in India wish to lead a life of dignity, and seek opportunities to prove themselves. He said that he had full faith in their capability.

The Prime Minister said that an era of honesty has begun in India. He sought the people’s blessings in his endeavour to ensure that the poor get their due.

***

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being received by the Governor of Jharkhand, Smt. Draupadi Murmu, on his arrival at Sahibganj, Jharkhand on April 06, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being received by the Governor of Jharkhand, Smt. Draupadi Murmu and the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Shri Raghubar Das, on his arrival at Sahibganj, Jharkhand on April 06, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the function to inaugurate the various projects, at Sahibganj, Jharkhand on April 06, 2017. The Governor of Jharkhand, Smt. Draupadi Murmu, the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari and the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Shri Raghubar Das are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the function to inaugurate various projects, at Sahibganj, Jharkhand on April 06, 2017. The Governor of Jharkhand, Smt. Draupadi Murmu, the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari and the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Shri Raghubar Das are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi distributing the Certificate of Appointment to constables of Paharia Special India Reserve Batallion, at a function, at Sahibganj, Jharkhand on April 06, 2017. The Governor of Jharkhand, Smt. Draupadi Murmu, the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari and the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Shri Raghubar Das are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi distributing the Certificate of Appointment to constables of Paharia Special India Reserve Batallion, at a function, at Sahibganj, Jharkhand on April 06, 2017. The Governor of Jharkhand, Smt. Draupadi Murmu, the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari and the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Shri Raghubar Das are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi distributing the Certificate of Appointment to constables of Paharia Special India Reserve Batallion, at a function, at Sahibganj, Jharkhand on April 06, 2017. The Governor of Jharkhand, Smt. Draupadi Murmu, the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari and the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Shri Raghubar Das are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi distributing the smart mobile phones to women entrepreneurs of Sakhi Mandal (SHGs), at a function, at Sahibganj, Jharkhand on April 06, 2017. The Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Shri Raghubar Das is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi distributing the smart mobile phones to women entrepreneurs of Sakhi Mandal (SHGs), at a function, at Sahibganj, Jharkhand on April 06, 2017. The Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Shri Raghubar Das is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi distributing the smart mobile phones to women entrepreneurs of Sakhi Mandal (SHGs), at a function, at Sahibganj, Jharkhand on April 06, 2017. The Governor of Jharkhand, Smt. Draupadi Murmu, the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari and the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Shri Raghubar Das are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi unveiling the plaques to mark the foundation stone laying and inauguration of the various development projects, at a function, at Sahibganj, Jharkhand on April 06, 2017. The Governor of Jharkhand, Smt. Draupadi Murmu, the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari and the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Shri Raghubar Das are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the gathering at a function, in Sahibganj, Jharkhand on April 06, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the gathering at a function, in Sahibganj, Jharkhand on April 06, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the gathering at a function, in Sahibganj, Jharkhand on April 06, 2017.

Ministry of Water Resources
06-April, 2017 15:38 IST
Review of Anti-Pollution campaign of Major Rivers

Central Water Commission (CWC) is monitoring water quality of river at 429 key locations covering 67 main rivers including Ganga, 138 tributaries and 55 sub-tributaries. CWC has published a report based on analysis of data for nine parameters viz. Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Lead, Mercury, Nickel and Zinc from 2011 to 2013. The report titled “Status of Trace and Toxic Metals in Indian Rivers” is available on the Website www.cwc.gov.in.

Out of total 195 rivers/tributaries monitored by Central Water Commission during the period 2015 to 2016, there are 126 rivers where one or more parameters related to heavy metals exceeded the permissible limit.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Vijay Goel in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Water Resources
06-April, 2017 15:35 IST
Pollution abatement works under Namami Gange

The pollution abatement works under Namami Gange is proceeding as per plan. The pollution abatement schemes would yield the desired results once the schemes are implemented and commissioned.

Water quality monitoring of river Ganga is carried out on monthly basis by respective State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs). The water quality assessment indicates that water quality does not meet the bathing water quality criteria at Down Stream (D/s) Haridwar in Uttarakhand, to downstream of Kanpur. There is a fluctuation in the water quality parameters over the years, however, the Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Total Coliform and Fecal Coliform values have declined invariably.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has identified 764 Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs) which discharge their effluent into River Ganga and its tributaries Ramganga river and Kali-East river. 583 units were found non-complying and have been issued directions under Section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. CPCB also issued direction u/s 5 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to Municipal authorities of Dehradun, Kanpur, Lucknow, Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna, Dhanbad, Kolkata for treatment and utilization of sewage for restoration of water quality of rivers.

CPCB has identified five sectors, namely, Pulp & Paper, Distillery, Sugar, Textile and Tannery for priority action and sector specific action plan has been prepared for implementation by the concerned industrial units. Pulp & Paper units have been directed to reduce their fresh water consumption and effluent generation upto about 50 %-60 %. The mills have been asked to upgrade their Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) upto tertiary level to achieve quantum improvement in treated water quality. Distilleries have been directed to implement zero liquid discharge. Sugar sector has been directed to reduce the water consumption to 200 lit./tonne of cane crushed. Out of 764 units, 574 have installed Online Continuous Effluent Monitoring Systems and 266 have provided connectivity for data transmission. CPCB has periodically carried out drain monitoring to identify the polluting sources and to take concerted action.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Vijay Goel in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Water Resources
06-April, 2017 13:41 IST
Zero Discharge of Pollutants into Ganga River

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has inventoried 35 distilleries, along the river Ganga, out of which five are closed and three are brewery/ bottling unit. Out of remaining 27 units, 17 have achieved Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD). Out of remaining 10 units, one unit has been closed by CPCB for failure in installation of Online Continuous Effluent Monitoring System (OCEMS) and nine units, which are yet to achieve ZLD by installing Multiple-Effect Evaporator (MEE) have been issued closure direction through State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) under section 18(1) (b) on 22.12.2016. No budget has been allocated by the Government for achieving ZLD by the distillery units.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Vijay Goel in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Water Resources
06-April, 2017 13:40 IST
RTWQMS for Ganga River Cleaning

The Government has proposed for installation of 113 Real Time Water Quality Monitoring Stations (RTWQMS) along the main stem of river Ganga and its major tributaries (Yamuna, Ramganga, Kali River). At present, 36 such RTWQMS stations has been installed along the stretch of river Ganga in the first phase. In addition, a network of eight RTWQMS constructed under Hydrology Project-II (HP-II) already exists.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Vijay Goel in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Water Resources
06-April, 2017 13:39 IST
Development Activities along Ganga River

The government has notified River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016. Under the order, the government has constituted National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga (referred to as National Ganga Council), under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. As per para 42 of the notification, prior approval from National Mission for Clean Ganga is required for following matters, relating to river Ganga and any area abutting river Ganga or its tributaries, if required to implement the decision of National Ganga Council.

i. Engineered diversion and storage of water in River Ganga without affecting the flow of water downstream of the River Ganga;
ii. Construction of bridges and associated roads and embankments over the River Ganga or at its River Bank or its flood plain area;
iii. Construction of Ghats or extension of any existing Ghat;
iv. Construction of jetties;
v. Construction of permanent hydraulic structures for storage or diversion or control of waters or channelisation of River Ganga or its tributaries;
vi. Deforestation of hill slopes and notified forest and other eco-sensitive areas.
The catchment area of river basin and its water shed has been demarcated and made available in the River Basin Atlas, 2012 and is also available in public domain in Ganga Bhuvan portal.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Vijay Goel in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Sushri Uma Bharti launching the MIS for online monitoring of AIBP projects, at a function, in New Delhi on April 07, 2017. The Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan is also seen.

The Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Sushri Uma Bharti addressing at the launch of the MIS for online monitoring of AIBP projects, in New Delhi on April 07, 2017. The Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan is also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
08-April, 2017 16:18 IST
NMCG approves Sewage Treatment Projects Worth Rs. 2100 Crore

In a major push to Namami Gange programme, National Mission for Clean Ganga has approved 26 projects at an estimated cost of Rs 2154.28 Crore. This amount will be spent in the states of UP, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Delhi for creation of new sewage treatment capacity of 188 Million Liters per Day (MLD) (approx.), rehabilitation of 596 MLD of existing STP capacity, upgradation of 30 MLD of existing STP capacity, Interception and Diversion works and sewerage network of 145.05 km. The projects sanctioned are as under:


I. Creation of new STP capacity and I&D works :


S.No
Name of the project town
Project Cost (Rs in Cr)
STP Capacity (MLD)

1
Haridwar (Jagjeetpur and Sarai)
273.37
82

2
Joshimath
48.43
3.78

3
Rudraprayag
13.15
0.525

4
Karnaprayag
12.09
0.15

5
Kirtinagar
4.23
0.6

6
Rishikesh
158.01
27

7
Muni Ki Reti
80.45
12.5

8
Chamoli, Gopeshwar
61.63
4.37

9
Badrinath
18.24
1.01

10
Srinagar
22.51
1

11
Nandprayag
6.46
1.5

12
Ramana, Varanasi
150.95
50

13
Rajmahal
50.23
3.5



Total
899.75
187.935




II. Rehabilitation of existing STP capacity:


S.No
Name of the project town
Project Cost (Rs in Cr)
STP Capacity (MLD)

14
Jagjeetpur,Haridwar
14.60
27

15
Vrindavan
33.82
5
16

Okhla, Delhi
665.78
564


Total
714.2
596



III. Up gradation of existing STP capacity:


S.No
Name of the project town
Project Cost (Rs in Cr)
STP Capacity (MLD)

17
Tapovan, Rishikesh
2.19
3.5

18
Uttarkashi
10.03
2

19
Sarai,Haridwar
9.63
18

20

Swargashram
4.52
3

21
Srinagar-Garhwal
15.41
3.5



Total
41.78
30


IV. I&D Works :


S.No
Name of the project town
Project Cost (Rs in Cr.)

22
Jagjeetpur, Zone A, B, C, D, E of Haridwar
85.14

23
Sarai, Zone F in Haridwar
31.46



Total
116.6



V. Sewerage Network:


S.No
Name of the project town
Project Cost (Rs in Cr)
Network (Km)

24
Karmalichak, Patna
277.42
96.54

25
Replacement of rising mains in Kondli
59.13
8.14

26
Rising main from Bharat Nagar to Pitampura
45.40
6.16



Total
381.95
145.05


Under Namami Gange Programme, 100% central funding is being made for new projects. The completion of these projects will help in reducing the pollution load on the river Ganga as discharge of untreated effluent is one of the major source of pollution in river Ganga.


***

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Sushri Uma Bharti releasing a booklet, at a press conference about the recently concluded Swachhata Pakhwada, observed by Ministry of Water Resources, in New Delhi on April 10, 2017. The Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Parameswaran Iyer is also seen.

The Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Sushri Uma Bharti addressing a press conference about the recently concluded Swachhata Pakhwada, observed by Ministry of Water Resources, in New Delhi on April 10, 2017. The Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Parameswaran Iyer is also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
12-April, 2017 15:10 IST
Committee Constituted to Prepare Draft Ganga Act Submits its Report Uma Bharti Calls it a Historic Day

The committee constituted to prepare draft Ganga Act submitted its report to the Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti in New Delhi today. Receiving the report the Minister called it a “historic day” and said that “I am very much excited to receive this report”. The Minister said that Modi Government will soon make this Act after due consultations with all stakeholders. She directed the Secretary of her Ministry to constitute a high level committee to go through the report and submit its report at the earliest. The Minister expressed the hope that sufficient provisions have been made in the draft report keeping in view the uninterrupted and clean flow of river Ganga.

The Chairman of the committee Justice Shri Girdhar Malviya (Retd.) said that it was a big challenge for them but they could meet it successfully. He thanked the officials of Union Water Resources Ministry and National Mission for Clean Ganga for their cooperation to the committee.


The committee recognized the enormous challenges being faced to maintain the wholesomeness (Nirmalta and Aviralta) of National River Ganga perpetuated due to over stressed water demand from agricultural, domestic and industrial sectors, on one hand and realized pressure on account of sustaining the religious faith, historical and social belief on other hand. The challenges become more complex with no possible increase in availability of water in river course in comparison to the increasing demands but on the contrary apprehension of decreasing flow owing to climate change affects.


The draft Act addresses the critical issues pertaining to National River Gaga on its Cleanliness (Nirmalta) and uninterrupted e-flow (Aviralta) and provides corresponding provisions thereof. The committee has adopted certain stricter provision to increase accountability and responsibility for use of resources made available by National River Ganga. The option and provision made in suggestive bills available with National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) were also considered and discussed by the committee.


The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation constituted this committee in July last year to prepare draft Ganga Act. Justice Shri Girdhar Malviya (Retd.) was the Chairman of the committee. Other members were: Shri V.K.Bhasin, Ex-Secretary, Legislative Department, Govt. of India, Prof. A.K. Gosain, IIT Delhi and Prof. Nayan Sharma, IIT Roorkee. Shri Sundeep, Director, National Mission for Clean Ganga was the Member Secretary.


79 year old Justice Malviya who is Chairman of Ganga Mahasabha is associated with Ganga conservation movement. The Mahasabha was founded by his grandfather and founder of BHU Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya.

Shri Justice (Retd.) Giridhar Malviya presenting the report on draft Ganga Act to the Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Sushri Uma Bharti, in New Delhi on April 12, 2017.

Shri Justice (Retd.) Giridhar Malviya presenting the report on draft Ganga Act to the Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Sushri Uma Bharti, in New Delhi on April 12, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurating the Link-II of SAUNI Yojana by releasing Narmada water into Krishna Sagar Lake, at Botad, in Gujarat on April 17, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurating the Link-II of SAUNI Yojana by offering flower petals, at Botad, in Gujarat on April 17, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurating the Link-II of SAUNI Yojana by offering flower petals, at Botad, in Gujarat on April 17, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi dedicating to the Nation Phase-I (Link 2) & laying foundation stone for Phase-II (Link 2) of SAUNI Yojana, at Botad, in Gujarat on April 17, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani, the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Shri Parshottam Rupala, the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Nitinbhai Patel and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing at the public meeting, at Botad, in Gujarat on April 17, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani, the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Shri Parshottam Rupala and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing at the public meeting, at Botad, in Gujarat on April 17, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing at the public meeting, at Botad, in Gujarat on April 17, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Urban Development Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Madan Kaushik calling on the Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Sushri Uma Bharti, in New Delhi on April 20, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Shipping
21-April, 2017 15:46 IST
World Bank Approves $ 375 Million Loan for Developing National Waterway-1

In a major boost towards realising country’s ambitious inland waterways project, the World Bank has approved a $375 million loan for capacity augmentation of National Waterway-1(River Ganga) under Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP).

The government is developing NW-1 (River Ganga) under JMVP from Haldia to Varanasi (1390 Km) with the technical and financial assistance of the World Bank at an estimated cost of Rs 5369 crore. The project would enable commercial navigation of vessels with capacity of 1500-2,000 DWT.

Under the project, there are going to be three multi-modal terminals--one each at Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Sahibganj (Jharkhand), and Haldia (West Bengal), two inter-modal terminals- at Kalughat and Ghazipur, a new Navigation Lock at Farakka, five Roll on-Roll off (Ro-Ro) terminals, development of Ferry services at Varanasi, Patna, Bhagalpur, Munger, Kolkata and Haldia and Vessel repair and maintenance facilities.

While the contracts for construction of multi-modal terminals at Varanasi, Sahibganj, and a new Navigation Lock at Farakka have been awarded, and the work at respective sites has commenced, the construction of multi-modal terminal at Haldia will begin soon. The foundation stone for the multi-modal terminal at Sahibganj was laid by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 6th April, 2017. In August 2016, the Minister for Road Transport, Highways & Shipping Shri Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone for multi-modal terminal at Varanasi.

Jal Marg Vikas Project also includes proposal for Performance Based Maintenance Dredging Contract for Provision of Least Assured Depth (LAD) of 3 metres between Farakka to Kahalgaon, and Sultanganj to Barh; LAD of 2.5 metres between Barh to Doriganj, and Doriganj to Ghazipur; and LAD of 2.2 metres between Ghazipur to Varanasi.

In addition, the project will enable IWAI setting up of River Information Service System on NW -1 for the first time in India. River Information System (RIS) are equipment, hardware and software information technology (IT) related services designed to optimize traffic and transport processes in inland navigation.

JMVP will also support the design and development of low draft vessels capable of carrying up to 2000 tonnes of cargo in shallower depths.

NW-1 is a waterway of national significance passing through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, serving the major cities of Allahabad, Varanasi, Ghazipur, Bhagalpur, Patna, Howrah, Haldia and Kolkata, and their industrial hinterland including several industries located in the Ganga basin. The Rail and Road corridors in this region are heavily saturated. Hence, the development of NW-1 would provide an alternative, viable, economical, efficient and eco-friendly mode of transport. The waterway will act as a catalyst in the socio-economic development of the regions by creating new business and employment opportunities.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
27-April, 2017 16:58 IST
Uma Bharti to launch Water Conservation Programme for Bundelkhand

Union Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Minister Sushri Uma Bharti will launch extensive water conservation programme for drought prone areas of Bundelkhand, Marathwada, Kalahandi, Bolangir and Koraput in Odisha. Sushri Bharti will formally launch the programme on April 28, 2017 at Bandri, Sagar (Madhya Pradesh).

Announcing this in New Delhi today the Minister said that her Ministry has prepared a master plan for artificial recharge of ground water in Bundelkhand region. In UP region of Bundelkhand, around 1100 percolation tanks, 14000 small check dams/Nala bunds and 7200 Recharge pits/shafts have been identified. In MP region of Bundelkhand, around 2000 percolation tanks, 55000 small check dams/Nala bunds and 17000 Recharge shafts have been identified. She said as a part of ground water exploration, 234 wells in UP are proposed to be constructed in five districts of Bundelkhand i.e., Banda, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Chitrakoot and Mahoba. As a part of ground water exploration, 259 wells in MP are proposed to be constructed in six districts of Bundelkhand.

Sushri Bharti said her Ministry has taken up new initiatives under National Ground Water Management Improvement Schemes (NGMIS) with an objective to effectively improve ground water conditions in stressed blocks, ensure sustainability of resource both quantitatively and qualitatively, participatory approach in ground water management and institutional strengthening. In Bundelkhand region of UP, six districts covering an area of 11851 sq km have been considered under this initiative. In Bundelkhand region of MP, five districts covering an area of 8319 sq km have been considered under this initiative.

The Minister informed that Incentivization Scheme for Bridging Irrigation Gap (ISBIG) scheme is being prepared by the Ministry with an objective to complete CADWM works along with correction of system deficiencies in canal network for bridging the gap between Irrigation Potential Created (IPC) and Irrigation Potential Utilised (IPU), improving the water use efficiency in irrigation and providing assured supply of water to every farm field and transfer of control and management of irrigation system to the Water Users’ Associations (WUAs). In Bundelkhand region of UP, Betwa and Gursarai canal, Rajghat canal, Ken canal system, Gunta Nala dam and Upper Rajghat canal with target to bridge 17,1030 hact under this scheme is being proposed. The scheme will benefit Jhansi, Jalaun, Hamirpur, Lalitpur and Banda districts in Bundelkhand region. In Bundelkhand region of MP Rajghat Canal Project with target to bridge 68007 ha under this scheme is being proposed. The scheme will benefit Tikamgarh and Datia districts.

The Minister said in Marathwada region of Maharashtra seven schemes with target to bridge 53365 ha gap between IPC and IPU is being proposed. The scheme will benefit Aurangabad, Latur, Nanded, Prabhani, Nanded, Solapur and Osmanabad districts and involve an expenditure of Rs. 250 crore. An area of 3727 sq.km in Marathwada is proposed to be covered under National Ground Water Management Improvement Schemes involving an expenditure approximate of Rs. 380 crore. Aquifer mapping of 9101 sq. km. of area in Marathwada has been completed. Management Plan of 7775 sq. km has been submitted to Maharashtra government.

Sushri Bharti said in Kalahandi, Bolangir and Koraput (KBK) region of Odisha, nine projects with target to cover 0.68 lakh ha of potential under the scheme to bridge the gap between PIC and IPU is being proposed. The scheme will benefit Malkangiri, Bolangir, Nuapada, Rayagada, Kalahandi and Bargarh districts of KBK region. 305 wells have been constructed in the region. 89 water bodies from KBK region with estimated cost of Rs. 32 crore and targeted revival of irrigation potential of 5739 ha have been included for providing central assistance under PMKSY. These water bodies are part of cluster of 760 WBs in Odisha in which central assistance of Rs. 107 crore has been released including those in KBK region. Out of the 99 ongoing major medium irrigation projects to be completed in phased manner by March, 2019 under AIBP, four projects namely Lower Indra (KBK), Upper Indravati (KBK), RET irrigation and Telengiri shall benefit KBK region. Ultimate irrigation potential of these schemes is 1.44 lakh ha. During 2016-17, an amount of Rs. 233 crore was released for these schemes under AIBP and CAD Schemes.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
28-April, 2017 17:26 IST
Uma Bharti launches Water Conservation Programme for Bundelkhand

Union Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Minister Sushri Uma Bharti today launched Bundelkhand water conservation programme at Bandri in Sagar District of MP. Speaking on the occasion the Minister said this programme will benefit drought prone areas of Bundelkhand region. She said that her Ministry has prepared a master plan for artificial recharge of ground water in Bundelkhand region. In UP region of Bundelkhand, around 1100 percolation tanks, 14000 small check dams/Nala bunds and 7200 Recharge pits/shafts have been identified. In MP region of Bundelkhand, around 2000 percolation tanks, 55000 small check dams/Nala bunds and 17000 Recharge shafts have been identified. The Minister said as a part of ground water exploration, 234 wells in UP are proposed to be constructed in five districts of Bundelkhand i.e., Banda, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Chitrakoot and Mahoba. Similarly 259 wells in MP are proposed to be constructed in the districts of Datia, Sagar, Damoh, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur and Panna in the Bundelkhand region of the State.


Sushri Bharti said her Ministry has taken up new initiatives under National Ground Water Management Improvement Schemes (NGMIS) with an objective to effectively improve ground water conditions in stressed blocks, ensure sustainability of resource both quantitatively and qualitatively, participatory approach in ground water management and institutional strengthening. In Bundelkhand region of UP, six districts covering an area of 11851 sq km have been considered under this initiative. In Bundelkhand region of MP, five districts covering an area of 8319 sq km have been considered under this initiative.


The Minister informed that Incentivization Scheme for Bridging Irrigation Gap (ISBIG) scheme is being prepared by the Ministry with an objective to complete CADWM works along with correction of system deficiencies in canal network for bridging the gap between Irrigation Potential Created (IPC) and Irrigation Potential Utilised (IPU), improving the water use efficiency in irrigation and providing assured supply of water to every farm field and transfer of control and management of irrigation system to the Water Users’ Associations (WUAs). In Bundelkhand region of UP, Betwa and Gursarai canal, Rajghat canal, Ken canal system, Gunta Nala dam and Upper Rajghat canal with target to bridge 17,1030 hact under this scheme is being proposed. The scheme will benefit Jhansi, Jalaun, Hamirpur, Lalitpur and Banda districts in Bundelkhand region. In Bundelkhand region of MP Rajghat Canal Project with target to bridge 68007 ha under this scheme is being proposed. The scheme will benefit Tikamgarh and Datia districts.


Sushri Bharti said in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, aquifer mapping for 14,350 sq.km has already been completed in the districts of Lalitpur (5058), Jhansi (5077) and Hamirpur (4500). Similarly in Bundelkhand region of MP, aquifer mapping of 22104 sq. km covering the districts of Chhattarpur (7594), Sagar (9270) and Tikamgarh (4880) has been completed. This would be utilized in preparation of sustainable ground water management plan of these areas.


The Minister informed that under fast track implementation of water conservation schemes in Bundelkhand of region of MP 100 new water bodies with estimated cost of about Rs. 100 crores with tentative potential creation of 5000 ha would be taken up. Similarly, 60 new water bodies/bandis with estimated cost of about Rs. 70 crores with tentative potential creation/restoration of 2000 ha would be taken up in Bundelkhand region of UP.


Similar programme for Marathwada region of Maharashtra is also being launched. Seven schemes with target to bridge 53365 ha gap between IPC and IPU are being proposed. The scheme will benefit Aurangabad, Latur, Nanded, Prabhani, Nanded, Solapur and Osmanabad districts and involve an expenditure of Rs. 250 crore. An area of 3727 sq.km in Marathwada is proposed to be covered under National Ground Water Management Improvement Schemes involving an expenditure approximate of Rs. 380 crore. Aquifer mapping of 9101 sq. km. of area in Marathwada has been completed. Management Plan of 7775 sq. km has been submitted to Maharashtra government. Under Fast track implementation of water conservation schemes 50 new water bodies with estimated cost of about Rs. 60 crores with tentative potential creation of 5000 ha would be taken up.


Under Water conservation programme for Kalahandi, Bolangir and Koraput (KBK) region of Odisha, nine projects with target to cover 0.68 lakh ha of potential under the scheme to bridge the gap between PIC and IPU is being proposed. The scheme will benefit Malkangiri, Bolangir, Nuapada, Rayagada, Kalahandi and Bargarh districts of KBK region and will involve an expenditure of Rs.400 crore. 305 wells have been constructed in the region. 89 water bodies from KBK region with estimated cost of Rs. 32 crore and targeted revival of irrigation potential of 5739 ha have been included for providing central assistance under PMKSY. These water bodies are part of cluster of 760 WBs in Odisha in which central assistance of Rs. 107 crore has been released including those in KBK region. Out of the 99 ongoing major medium irrigation projects to be completed in phased manner by March, 2019 under AIBP, four projects namely Lower Indra (KBK), Upper Indravati (KBK), RET irrigation and Telengiri shall benefit KBK region. Ultimate irrigation potential of these schemes is 1.44 lakh ha. During 2016-17, an amount of Rs. 233 crore was released for these schemes under AIBP and CAD Schemes. Under Fast track implementation of water conservation schemes 75 new water bodies with estimated cost of about Rs. 50 crores with tentative potential creation of 2500 ha would be taken up.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Shipping
06-May, 2017 11:16 IST
International publication ‘Condé Nast Traveller’ lists Ganga cruise as one of the ‘six river cruises to take in 2017’

A reputed US based international media house in the latest issue of its publication ‘Condé Nast Traveller’ has listed the river cruise on Ganga as one of the ‘six river cruises to take in 2017’. The media house has placed the luxury cruise vessel Ganges Voyager II which sails on the Ganga from Kolkata to Varanasi, in the league of cruises on Mekong and Yangtze in China, Amazon in South America, Volga in Russia and Irrawaddy in Myanmar. Conde Nast’s endorsement of Ganga as a cruise destination is a shot in the arm for river tourism in the country.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India facilitates cruise operations on NW-1 (river Ganga) from Kolkata to Varanasi in collaboration with private cruise operators. The facilities provided by IWAI include navigation aids including night navigation facility, embarking and disembarking at designated locations, facilitating expeditious crossing of Farakka Navigation Lock, pilotage, and assistance in distress

National Waterway NW-1 from Varanasi to Haldia is being developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP). In addition to becoming one of the principal cargo movement routes in India, this stretch on NW-1has good potential for river cruise tourism.

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