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PM chairs meeting of National Ganga River Basin Authority

Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation
23-February, 2018 18:09 IST
Swachh Bharat emphasizes importance of SLRM in rural areas

The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation held a two-day national consultative workshop on Solid and Liquid Resource Management on 22nd February and 23rd February 2018 in the national capital. The workshop was organized in association with the Tata Trusts, and covered topics ranging from Gobar-dhan, Biodegradable Waste Management, Menstrual Health Management, Faecal Sludge Management, Plastics and Liquid Waste Management. The workshop marked a shift in national sanitation policy from “Solid and Liquid Waste Management” to “Solid and Liquid Resource Management”, i.e. treating waste as a resource.

Sushri Uma Bharti, Union Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation inaugurated the workshop in the capital by offering jalanjali (divine offering of water to a plant). Speaking about the two-day workshop, she reiterated that turning waste to resource is of acute importance and imbibing the learning of the workshop will not just help in processing waste but will also help in beautification of the village. She also spoke about Menstrual Health Management, the need to provide rural girls and women with a choice of affordable products for it, and the need to de-stigmatize menstruation as a subject of open conversation in families, schools and communities. She added, “Turning waste to wealth is another facet of the workshop that will improve skill development and empower women by providing them with employment.”

Shri S.S. Ahluwalia, Minister of State for Drinking Water & Sanitation, addressed the workshop and launched a special webpage for Solid and Liquid Resource Management (SLRM) on the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) {SBM(G)} website. Speaking at the launch, he said,” Behavior change begins at home, and by adopting the 4Rs (refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle), each one of us can help realize our collective dream of a Swachh Bharat.”

Shri Parameswaran Iyer, Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India, highlighted the importance of solid and liquid resource management in rural India and how it can contribute to a sustainable open defecation free (ODF) India. He said, “Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) has, doubled the rural sanitation coverage from 39% in 2014 to over 78% today. It is now important to also focus on ODF sustainability and Swachh Villages by implementing SLRM.”

The workshop was a “Swachh Event”, a green workshop. As part of the event, the dignitaries were welcomed with plant pots instead of flower bouquets. The pencils used at the event were made of biodegradable material and each pencil held a seed which could be used to plant a sapling by the participant after the workshop ended. The Ministry made use of several eco-friendly products such as biodegradable bags, file folders, name badges, etc. to advocate the cause of sustainability.

The event was attended by industry experts, dignitaries from various States, as well as ODF champions who brought about significant change in their respective villages and districts.

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Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
23-February, 2018 19:20 IST
“Clean Air for Delhi campaign to be developed into a peoples’ movement across the country”: Dr. Harsh Vardhan

Challans Issued in Forty Per Cent Cases of Violations, Clean Air for Delhi Campaign Concludes

Strongly emphasizing that continuous efforts will be made to develop the Clean Air for Delhi Campaign into a peoples’ movement across the country, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that this Campaign will be replicated in about 100 non-attainment cities. Addressing mediapersons on Clean Air for Delhi Campaign that concluded here today, Dr. Harsh Vardhan pointed out that air quality in 2018 was better in comparison to 2016 and 2017. The Minister stated that on the opening day of the Campaign on February 10, which was a Saturday, the level of air quality was in the Very Poor category. “The air quality never went back to Very Poor category after February 12”, he said. Dr. Harsh Vardhan stated that comparative data for the months of February and March in the years 2016, 2017 & 2018 will be collated to ensure that the campaign is moving in the right direction.

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Dr. Harsh Vardhan interacting with mediapersons on the conclusion of Clean Air for Delhi Campaign



The Minister reiterated that efforts were made during the Campaign to raise the levels of public awareness through radio and other communication tools. Dr. Harsh Vardhan referred to the positive messages imparted by school children, who were an integral part of the process to spread awareness. Providing a statistical overview of some of the cases of violation (see table given below), Dr. Harsh Vardhan stated that in all, out of 7, 357 cases of violation, Challans worth Rs. 8 crore 85 lakh were issued in 3, 117 cases, that is in nearly 40 per cent of the cases of violations. However, the Minister underlined that issuing Challans is a process of raising awareness levels and enhancing education. “It was observed that all the trucks carrying construction material were fully covered”, he added.

STATISTICAL OVERVIEW OF CASES OF VIOLATIONS

Nature of violation
No of violations
No of Challans Issued
Construction & demolition activity
3, 742
2, 051
Road dust
917
75
Traffic violation
635
46
Open burning
402
123
Vehicular pollution
233
61
Landfill violation
27
4
Others
1, 401
461
Total
7, 357
3, 117





Outlining the two major objectives of the Campaign launched on February 10 in Delhi, the Minister stated that these included - implementation of existing measures to control polluting activities in the city and finding new solutions through workshops on major issues contributing to air pollution in Delhi. Appreciating various good suggestions received at a meeting that preceded the Minister’s interaction with media, Dr. Harsh Vardhan made specific reference to two suggestions – (i) A public health expert may also be included in future in the team and (ii) Do’s and don’ts to be distributed to the place from where construction material is supplied. He added that all the 70 teams have been asked to pen down their experiences and offer more suggestions and the experiences of the teams will be compiled in the form of a booklet. “We want to take the Campaign from a modest beginning towards perfection in implementation and addressing various issues related to pollution”, Dr. Harsh Vardhan averred. Dr. Harsh Vardhan referred to the synergy created at both at the level of the Centre and the States during the Clean Air Campaign. He also made a special reference to a mid-term review of the Clean Air for Delhi Campaign carried out by Secretary, MoEF&CC and Chief Secretary, Delhi government.



CLEAN AIR FOR DELHI CAMPAIGN: A BRIEF OVERVIEW

Among the activities undertaken as a part of the Campaign included:



· 66 teams with a mix of officials from different departments were deployed on field to assess any air polluting activity and act on the spot through challans, notices and actions like water sprinkling to combat road dust and open burning.
· Teams conducted mass awareness amongst residents through interactive programmes in several schools, villages and industrial areas.
· Wide range of consultations with major stakeholders on vehicular pollution, traffic management, impact on environment and health and new air pollution mitigation technologies. The campaign included interaction and knowledge sharing among non-government organizations (NGOs), civil society citizens, academic and R&D institutions.
· To generate awareness in public regarding green social responsibility various methods such as newspaper, radio, social media, activities for children were used to disseminate information. Sameer App of CPCB was publicized as a tool for public to report environmentally polluting activities.

  • The air quality index was contained at poor due to the activities on field by the teams even during marginally less favorable conditions in the next week. Comparative AQI values from Feb 10 - 22 showed a lower value of 237, compared to 267 in 2017 and 288 in 2016.
  • Noticeable reduction in levels of pollution, particularly in comparison to the level on the same day in 2017. Number of ‘moderate’ days of air quality reported during Feb 10-22 was one in 2016 and zero in 2017. However, 4 moderate days were reported in 2018. Also, during the same period, 7 ‘Poor’ days were reported in 2018, in comparison to 13 days in 2017.
  • Interdisciplinary teams with officials from various concerned departments have facilitated in acquainting the officials of their roles and responsibilities.
  • Sensitization of regulatory officials regarding empowerment under provision of law for enforcement measures that can be taken against polluting activities like C&D waste and dust, open waste burning, visibly polluting and old vehicles.
  • Reporting of violations has led to a significant removal of waste from public places and surface cleansing of streets to control road dust through sweeping and water sprinkling.
  • Proper mitigation measures for C&D material storage and transport was ensured through challans issued to violators including DMRC, PWD, DDA, TPDDL, etc. It was observed that all the trucks carrying construction material were fully covered.
  • Mass awareness with school children and local residents was done successfully in many areas.


WAY FORWARD



  • The teams will carry out periodical inspections of their areas.
  • The teams can work as quick response teams (QRT) during emergency situations for their respective areas as they are well aware of the onsite polluting activities.
  • Awareness at various levels (schools, colleges, RWAs, industries, public authorities, local communities, etc.) regarding impact of air pollution on health including sensitization of the contractors undertaking big construction projects/ regular construction activities about the environmental norms and dust control measures, safety norms for laborers working on such sites, regular review of such activities and appropriate action against violations of the norms.
  • DPCC, industries and Department of Urban Development may collaborate to control polluting industrial activities.
  • The gaps in regulation and enforcement may be addressed through feedback from the teams.
  • Recommendations from the workshops conducted during the campaign may be utilized to devise a multi-phase plan to be executed within stringent timelines.


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The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari interacting with the media in an event called ‘Vartalap with Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh’, at Mumbai on February 23, 2018.
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The Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan briefing the media on Conclusion of Clean Air for Delhi campaign, in New Delhi on February 23, 2018. The Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri C.K. Mishra is also seen

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The Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan briefing the media on Conclusion of Clean Air for Delhi campaign, in New Delhi on February 23, 2018. The Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri C.K. Mishra is also seen.

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Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation
27-February, 2018 14:13 IST
Uma Bharti launches 2nd project of Swajal Yojana in Rajasthan

Union Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Sushri Uma Bharti, today launched the Swajal pilot project at Village Bhikampura, Karauli, Rajasthan. Besides ensuring the availability of clean drinking water to every household round the year, the project would also generate employment.

Sushri Uma Bharti urged the people to own the project that will be started soon. She reminded that it is the death anniversary of Chandrashekhar Azad and the government is trying to fulfil his dream of Swaraj.

She inaugurated the pilot Swajal Project at Bhikampura with a budget of more than 54.17 lakh rupees. Swajal is a community owned drinking water programme for sustained drinking water supply. Under the scheme, 90% of the project cost will be taken care by the Government and the remaining 10% of the project cost will be contributed by the community. The Operations and management of the project will be taken care by the local villagers.

As per the plan, four reservoirs will be constructed in the village and common tap connection will be given to almost 300 households. Bhikhampura village has scarcity of drinking water and villagers have to walk to at least 3 kilometers to collect it. During the lean season, water is supplied by tankers. The new project will ease the lives of the people and ensure that potable water is available for every individual round the year.

Hon’ble Minister also reviewed the progress of the various schemes in the district. Karauli is one of the 115 aspirational districts with the aim of ensuring overall development by proper implementation and convergence of central and state government in the district.

She reviewed the progress in 6 key sectors including health, nutrition, education, skill development, agriculture, financial inclusion and basic infrastructure and suggested the officials to take necessary action to expedite for early implementation of the program. MDWS will closely monitor the progress.

Rajkumari Jaatav, MLA Hindon, Parameswaran Iyer, Seceretary MDWS and other dignitaries were present in the meeting.

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Ministry of Water Resources
28-February, 2018 15:26 IST
31 Sewage Management Projects Worth Rs 1024.5 Crore Under Execution in Uttarakhand

Haridwar and Rishikesh soon will soon have 100% Sewage Treatment Facility

Cities like Haridwar and Rishikesh will soon have 100% sewage treatment facility as sewage management interventions in Uttarakhand near completion. There are 31 sewage management projects sanctioned for the state at an estimated cost of Rs 1024.5 crore, to create 155.45 MLD STP capacity and to lay/rehabilitate 151.02 kilometers of sewer network. Out of these, 13 projects have been completed, which has created 24 MLD STP capacity at a cost of Rs 139.5 crore. Of the remaining 18 projects, 16 have already been awarded, while two are under tendering. The projects which have been awarded are STP, Interception and Diversion (I&D), up gradation of STPs at Jagjeetpur and Sarai of Haridwar, up gradation of STP in Tapovan in Rishikesh, pollution abatement works for river Alakananda in Kirtinagar, up gradation of existing STP in Srinagar, I&D and STP works in Srinagar, I&D and STP works in Joshimath, I&D and STP works in Rudraprayag, I&D and STP works in Karnprayag, up gradation of STP in Gyansu, up gradation of existing STP in Swargashram in Rishikesh, STP work in Muni-Ki-Reti in Rishikesh.

The projects for construction of 22 ghats and 22 crematoria amounting to Rs. 161.16 crore have also been sanctioned and are currently at different stages of progress. These include ghats and crematoria works at Phool Chatti, Ramkund, Bharat, Sangam, Kirtinagar-Old Ganga, Srinagar Nathani, Ufanda village, Srinagar ITI, Balawali, Shampur, Bhogpur, Chandi, Manokamna, Jad-Bharat, Kedar, Heena, Koteshwar, Nageshwar Dham, Dunda, Koteshwar Mahadev, Gholtir, Gaucher and Nandprayag ghats in Pauri Garhwal (Rishikesh to Dev Prayag stretch), Tehri Garhwal, Rudra Prayag (Dev Prayag to Rudraprayag stretch), Haridwar, Uttarkashi and Chamoli districts of Uttarakhand.

Haridwar and Rishikesh being two important cities in the state, the Government has taken many initiatives to upgrade their sewage treatment facilities and address other concerns relating to cleaning of River Ganga.

Haridwar generates an estimated 114 MLD of sewage, but its existing three sewage treatment plants at Jagjeetpur and Sarai are able to treat only 63 MLD of sewage, while the remaining discharges directly into river Ganga. To bridge this gap, another 64 MLD STP at Jagjeetpur (replacing 18 MLD existing plant) and 14 MLD STP at Sarai have been awarded under Hybrid Annuity based PPP model to exclusively address the sewage treatment requirements of the town. Concession agreements for these projects were signed and work has already commenced. The total sewage treatment capacity in the town thus will be 145 MLD, adequate to meet the sewage treatment demands of the town for coming years too. The total sanctioned cost of all the sewage management projects in Haridwar is Rs 413.87 crore.

To address the concerns of floating waste on the river, a trash skimmer is operational in Haridwar since May 2017 under river surface cleaning component. Further, ghat and crematoria development work is in progress at Chandi Ghat in Haridwar. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs. 50.36 crore. Nearly 41 per cent work has already been completed.

In Rishikesh town, an estimated 15 MLD of sewage is generated, which is likely to increase in the future. From the current capacity of three existing sewage treatment plants – Swargashram, Lakkarghat and IDPL, approximately 23 MLD of sewage treatment capacity is available. However, part of the sewage generated from Rishikesh does not reach the STPs and flows directly into the river.

A new sewage treatment plant of 26 MLD capacity at Lakkarghat has been sanctioned under Namami Gange program, for which tendering is in progress. This project will be completed by the year 2019. Another project is already in progress to upgrade the STP at Swargashram and this work will be completed by June 2018. Together, these STPs will create sewage treatment capacity of 29 MLD. Besides, work on a 12.5 MLD capacity STP project at Muni-ki-Reti in Rishikesh has already started at the cost of Rs. 67 crore.

To address the issue of sewer connectivity, the works on laying of 12 km sewer lines and rehabilitation of existing pumping stations are also part of the above project to improve the entire sewage management infrastructure in Rishikesh.

Importantly, one of the major problems in both these towns is poor number of connections from household and commercial establishments to the sewerage system as a result of which sewage does not reach STP for treatment. It is required that maximum households and commercial establishments connect to the sewerage system for success of these projects. Therefore, equal importance is being given to laying of sewer lines under Namami Gange programme.



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Ministry of Water Resources
05-March, 2018 17:28 IST
Installation of STPs under Namami Gange Programme

Under Namami Gange Programme, following 12 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) have been completed and commissioned during 2015-16 to 2017-18. The additional treatment capacity generated through these installed Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) is 137.35 Million Litres Per Day (MLD).




Sr. No.

State
Location
No. of STPs
Sanction Cost(Crore)
MLD
Completed during



1

Uttarakhand
Tapovan
1
24.12
3.5
2016-17


Devprayag
3
10.93
1.625
2016-17


GangotriDham
1
10.48
1
2017-18


2

Uttar Pradesh
Salori (Allahabad)
1
42.4
14
2016-17


Numayadahi, Kodra&Ponghat (Allahabad)
3
199.26
85
2015-16


Naini, (Allahabad)
1
106.08
20
2016-17


3

West Bengal
Gayeshpur
1
168.67
8.23
2016-17


Kalyani
1
57.87
4
2017-18


-
-
12
619.81
137.35



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

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Ministry of Water Resources
05-March, 2018 17:26 IST
Cleanliness of Ganga River

Operation & Maintenance including cleanliness of Ghats on the shores of river Ganga is being done by local Municipal Corporation or Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). However, the following steps have been taken under Namami Gange Programme to enhance the cleanliness on the shores of river Ganga: -

  1. Nearly 4500 villages on the bank of river Ganga have been made Open Defecation Free (ODF) by constructing about 13 lacs individual household toilets.

  1. Mechanical trash skimmers and floating boom barriers are being deployed at 9 priority towns along main-stem of Ganga to arrest the floating solid waste in the river. These towns are Haridwar, Allahabad, Kanpur, Varanasi, Garmukteshwar, Patna, Sahibganj, Kolkata and Nabadwip where collected waste is transported to the identified disposal point from where it is transported to designated site on a daily basis.

  1. IL&FS Environmental Infrastructure and Services Ltd. (IEISL) has been engaged under a tripartite agreement amongst NMCG, Varanasi Nagar Nigam and IEISL for cleaning of 84 ghats in Varanasi for 3 years at a cost of Rs 5.0 crores per year to ensure proper solid waste disposal and keeping the ghats neat & clean.


  1. 155 ghats and 67 crematoria have been sanctioned as part of Entry Level Activities.


  1. Under Public Outreach Activities of NMCG, campaigns have been carried out from time to time by NMCG like Ganga Swachhta Pakhwada, Swachta Hi Seva, Ganga NirikshanYatra etc. to take clean Ganga message to masses and maximize the public participation

Under the Namami Gange programme, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has undertaken a project in which it is carrying out the water quality monitoring of river Ganga from Gangotri to West Bengal. Water quality monitoring data of CPCB for the period 2015-17 indicates that Dissolved Oxygen (DO) has been found to be within acceptable limits of notified primary water quality criteria for bathing. Further, the river water quality monitoring carried out in 2017 indicates improvement in water quality trends as compared to 2016. The Dissolved Oxygen levels are improving at 33 locations, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels at 26 locations and coliform bacteria count at 30 locations.


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

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Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation
07-March, 2018 21:02 IST
Swachh Shakti 2018: 15000 women Swachh Bharat champions to gather in Lucknow on International Women’s Day

The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, in association with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, is organizing a Women’s Convention – called Swachh Shakti 2018 – tomorrow, on International Women’s Day, at Lucknow. 8000 women sarpanches, 3000 women Swachhagrahis, 2000 mahilasamakhyas from Uttar Pradesh and women sarpanches from across the country have been invited to recognize their outstanding contribution towards making Swachh Bharat a reality in rural India. The Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, along with other Ministers and dignitaries most of them women will address and honour the women champions on this occasion.



Last year, 6000 women sarpanches from across the country had assembled in Gujarat on the occasion of International Women’s Day under the banner Swachh Shakti 2017. They were directly addressed and honouredby the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.



This year, Uttar Pradesh will be hosting Swachh Shakti 2018 as the largest State in the country, with a massive rural populace. The event will be presided over by Sushree Uma Bharti, Minister Drinking Water and Sanitation. Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh will be the Chief Guest for the occasion. The event will include special exhibitions, films and other activities dedicated to women’s role in Swachh Bharat Mission. It is expected that Swachh Shakti 2018 will provide momentum to the sanitation coverage in UP where the task is quite large. 37 SwachhataShakti Raths will be flagged off to run and trigger various districts in the state. Meanwhile, across the country, many States are holding public events to honour Women Swachhata Champions in their States as a part of Swachh Shakti 2018.



The Swachh Bharat Mission, launched on October 2nd, 2014, by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, is aimed at achieving a clean and open defecation free (ODF) India. With all-round efforts, 314 districts and 3.23 lakh villages which includes 9 States and 2 UTs have been declared ODF and the sanitation coverage has more than doubled from 38.70% to 78.98% since the Swachh Bharat Mission was launched.



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Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
07-March, 2018 16:36 IST
Shri Nitin Gadkari launches scheme of fully computerised Driver Training Facilities

Sukhad Yatra App and Toll-free Emergency number launched for highway users

Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Nitin Gadkari has announced that soon there will be no human interface in granting driving licences to heavy vehicle drivers in the country. Launching the scheme for District Driving Training Centres in New Delhi today, he said, the process of approving such driving licenses will be made fully computerised. This will immensely reduce the instances of bogus driving licences, and will result in lesser number of accidents on the roads.

The Minister also launched a mobile App and Toll-free Emergency number for highway users together with Union Minister for Petroleum, Natural Gas, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan.

Shri Nitin Gadkari said, the Sukhad Yatra mobile application will empower the highway users by giving information on toll rates as they approach the toll plaza. The key feature of the app includes provision for the user to enter road quality-related information or to report any accident or pothole on the highway. It also provides users with real-time data related to waiting time expected at Plazas and various facilities like points of interest, highway nest/nest mini, etc., available across the highway. The app can also be used by the users to purchase the FASTag tag and further facilitate the highway user experience.

Shri Gadkari said, the toll-free number - 1033, will enable users to report an emergency condition, or highway-related feedback, across the highway. The service has also integrated with various ambulance/tow away services along the road to ensure rapid response time in emergency. The service is supported by a multi-lingual support and user location tracking features to provide the user with accurate and responsive complaint resolution

The Minister announced that at least one model driving training centre will be set up in each district of the State or UT. Financial assistance of up to Rs. 1 Crore will be provided by the Ministry. The agency will invest equal amount of grant under the scheme. The scheme is designed with an objective of creating employment and meeting the requirement of HMV and LMV drivers in the country. It also aims at inculcating the habit of road safety, like behavioral and attitudinal changes among drivers. Training course will be conducted for drivers who carry dangerous/hazardous goods. The agencies willing to open the centre shall be required to provide infrastructure facilities like land, class rooms, simulator, etc.

He said, under the scheme for grant of financial assistance for administering Road Safety Advocacy and awards for the outstanding done in the field of Road Safety, assistance up to Rs. 5 lakh will be provided to NGO / Trust / Cooperative Societies and another agencies for administering road safety programme. Three awards of Rs. 5 lakhs, Rs. 2 lakh and Rs. 1 lakh will be given in each State / UT to the individuals of agencies engaged in road safety advocacy and allied activities.

Union Minister for Petroleum, Natural Gas, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan praised the initiatives taken in the road safety sector. He said, drivers’training can save upto ten thousand crore rupees every year. Shri Pradhan suggested amalgamation of all services from petroleum and road sectors on the toll plazas at the national highways. He said, one hundred such model points can be opened within a year.



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The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari and the Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launching the NHAI 1033 Toll Free Helpline Number, at a function, in New Delhi on March 07, 2018. The Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Yudhvir Singh Malik and other dignitaries are also seen.
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The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari and the Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launching the Sukhad Yatra App, at a function, in New Delhi on March 07, 2018. The Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Yudhvir Singh Malik and other dignitaries are also seen.

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The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari and the Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launching a Driver Training Centre Scheme, at a function, in New Delhi on March 07, 2018. The Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Yudhvir Singh Malik is also seen.

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The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari and the Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launching a Scheme for Financial Assistance to NGOs for Road Safety, at a function, in New Delhi on March 07, 2018. The Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Yudhvir Singh Malik is also seen.

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The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari addressing at the launch of the several schemes, in New Delhi on March 07, 2018. The Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Yudhvir Singh Malik and other dignitaries are also seen.


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The Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan addressing at the launch of the several schemes, in New Delhi on March 07, 2018. The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Yudhvir Singh Malik and other dignitaries are also seen.

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Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation
08-March, 2018 14:32 IST
Swachh Shakti 2018 celebrated in Lucknow with 15000 women Swachh Bharat champions resolving to usher in clean India .

The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, in association with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, organized a Women’s Convention called Swachh Shakti 2018 today at Lucknow. 8000 women sarpanches, 3000 women Swachhagrahis and women champions from other walks of life from across the country were recognised for their outstanding contribution towards making a Swachh Bharat.

The Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Sushri Uma Bharti, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, along with other Ministers and dignitaries addressed and honoured women champions on this occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath said that he was confident that the Swachh Shakti of women Swachhagrahis present on the occasion would help take the women empowerment movement forward. He spoke about the power of access to safe sanitation and drinking water to change the lives of women. He also spoke in detail about other initiatives of the UP government that are working towards improving the quality of life of rural women, such as, employment generation for rural women, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Ujjwala.

Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Sushri Uma Bharti, spoke about the power of women in bringing about change at home as well as in society. She complimented the commitment made by the Uttar Pradesh government to make the State Open Defecation Free (ODF) by October 2018. She said that, in addition to a toilet, it is every woman and adolescent girl's right to have access to a wide choice of products for Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM).

Central and State Ministers and Secretary MDWS also addressed the gathering.

Last year, 6000 women sarpanches from across the country had assembled in Gujarat on the occasion of International Women’s Day under the banner of Swachh Shakti 2017. They were addressed and honoured by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.

This year, Uttar Pradesh hosted Swachh Shakti 2018 being the largest State with a massive rural populace. The event included a special exhibition, launch of a film celebrating Swachh Shakti and flagging off of 30 Swachhata Raths that will travel across the State, spreading the message of sanitation at the grassroots.

Meanwhile, across the country, many States are holding public events to honour Women Swachhata Champions as a part of Swachh Shakti 2018.

The Swachh Bharat Mission, launched on October 2nd, 2014, by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, is aimed at achieving a Clean and Open Defecation Free (ODF) India by 2nd October, 2019. With all-round efforts, 314 districts and 3.23 lakh villages and 9 States and 2 UTs have been declared ODF. The sanitation coverage has more than doubled from 38.70% to 78.98% since the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission.



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Ministry of Water Resources
08-March, 2018 15:04 IST
Utilisation of Funds for Ganga River cleaning

A Group of Secretaries (GoS) from key Ministries comprising of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Urban Development, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Rural Development, Tourism, and Shipping had worked together during 2014-15 to develop a comprehensive action plan for Ganga Rejuvenation. One High Level Task Force (HLTF) on Ganga has been constituted under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary to facilitate interaction among Ministries/Departments and State Governments and to ensure effective coordination and implementation of the programme. Government of India has constituted Empowered Task Force (ETF) in 2016 on river Ganga under the chairmanship of Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation consisting of Secretary of concerned Ministries and Chief Secretary of states and CEO, Niti Aayog.


An amount of Rs. 773.59 crore has been released by National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) against Rs. 1,958 crore provided by Government of India during the Financial Year 2014-15 and 2015-16. The physical progress has not been commensurate with the financial targets fixed, because of the fact that in initial phase, pace of expenditure was slow as proper planning was needed to take up the projects in a scientific and planned manner. Pace of expenditure would increase with the start of the large number of projects sanctioned in recent times.

With the constitution of NMCG as an Authority in terms of order dated 7.10.2016, the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) has been dissolved. The said order provides for a National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga, also called as National Ganga Council under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister, with representation of Union Ministers of concerned departments and Chief Ministers of the five Ganga States besides others.

Certain measures have been initiated to expedite the implementation process. National mission for Clean Ganga have been restructured and strengthened recently so that it is empowered to discharge its functions in an independent and accountable manner and also to sanction and complete various projects on fast track. Under Namami Gange Programme, provision has been kept for long term (10–15 years) operation & maintenance of the assets created so as to ensure that the assets created are permanent and operate in a sustainable manner. Regular monitoring of these projects is being done by NMCG. Reviews are being held up with State Programme Management Groups (SPMGs)/ Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) on regular basis to expedite these projects and to comply with the direction of National Green Tribunal (NGT). In segment A of Ganga (as per NGT), all the projects related to STPs have been sanctioned.

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

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Ministry of Water Resources
08-March, 2018 15:04 IST
Utilisation of Funds for Ganga River cleaning

A Group of Secretaries (GoS) from key Ministries comprising of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Urban Development, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Rural Development, Tourism, and Shipping had worked together during 2014-15 to develop a comprehensive action plan for Ganga Rejuvenation. One High Level Task Force (HLTF) on Ganga has been constituted under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary to facilitate interaction among Ministries/Departments and State Governments and to ensure effective coordination and implementation of the programme. Government of India has constituted Empowered Task Force (ETF) in 2016 on river Ganga under the chairmanship of Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation consisting of Secretary of concerned Ministries and Chief Secretary of states and CEO, Niti Aayog.


An amount of Rs. 773.59 crore has been released by National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) against Rs. 1,958 crore provided by Government of India during the Financial Year 2014-15 and 2015-16. The physical progress has not been commensurate with the financial targets fixed, because of the fact that in initial phase, pace of expenditure was slow as proper planning was needed to take up the projects in a scientific and planned manner. Pace of expenditure would increase with the start of the large number of projects sanctioned in recent times.



With the constitution of NMCG as an Authority in terms of order dated 7.10.2016, the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) has been dissolved. The said order provides for a National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga, also called as National Ganga Council under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister, with representation of Union Ministers of concerned departments and Chief Ministers of the five Ganga States besides others.



Certain measures have been initiated to expedite the implementation process. National mission for Clean Ganga have been restructured and strengthened recently so that it is empowered to discharge its functions in an independent and accountable manner and also to sanction and complete various projects on fast track. Under Namami Gange Programme, provision has been kept for long term (10–15 years) operation & maintenance of the assets created so as to ensure that the assets created are permanent and operate in a sustainable manner. Regular monitoring of these projects is being done by NMCG. Reviews are being held up with State Programme Management Groups (SPMGs)/ Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) on regular basis to expedite these projects and to comply with the direction of National Green Tribunal (NGT). In segment A of Ganga (as per NGT), all the projects related to STPs have been sanctioned.



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

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The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari lighting the lamp at the International Workshop on ‘Use of Large Diameter Pipes for Mega Water Conveyance Systems’, in New Delhi on March 09, 2018. The Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal and the Minister of State for Human Resource Development and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr. Satya Pal Singh are also seen.
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The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari at the International Workshop on ‘Use of Large Diameter Pipes for Mega Water Conveyance Systems’, in New Delhi on March 09, 2018. The Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, the Minister of State for Human Resource Development and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr. Satya Pal Singh, the Secretary (Water Resources), Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga, Shri U.P. Singh and other dignitaries are also seen.
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The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari releasing the publication, at the International Workshop on ‘Use of Large Diameter Pipes for Mega Water Conveyance Systems’, in New Delhi on March 09, 2018. The Minister of State for Human Resource Development and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr. Satya Pal Singh, the Secretary (Water Resources), Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga, Shri U.P. Singh and other dignitaries are also seen.
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The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari addressing the gathering at the International Workshop on ‘Use of Large Diameter Pipes for Mega Water Conveyance Systems’, in New Delhi on March 09, 2018.
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The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari addressing the gathering at the International Workshop on ‘Use of Large Diameter Pipes for Mega Water Conveyance Systems’, in New Delhi on March 09, 2018
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The Minister of State for Human Resource Development and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr. Satya Pal Singh addressing the gathering at the International Workshop on ‘Use of Large Diameter Pipes for Mega Water Conveyance Systems’, in New Delhi on March 09, 2018.

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Ministry of Water Resources
09-March, 2018 14:17 IST
Alternate technology is the need of the hour for mega water conveyance systems – Gadkari

International Workshop on Use of Large Diameter Pipes For Mega Water Conveyance Systems Inaugurated

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Nitin Gadkari has said that alternate technology is the need of the hour for mega water conveyance systems in the country. Inaugurating an international workshop on the “Use of Large Diameter Pipes for Mega Water Conveyance System” in New Delhi today the Minister stressed the need for developing water grids in the country on the lines of power grid and road networks. Shri Gadkari said that we do not have shortage of water in the country but lack proper planning and management of water resources. He said 25 to 30% of agricultural workforce in the country migrates from rural to urban areas only due to problems of irrigation and resultant difficulties related to agricultural. Referring to the importance of efficient use of water resources through drip irrigation the Minister cited the example of Madhya Pradesh which has achieved agricultural growth of 23% as against the national average of four per cent by promoting drip irrigation. The Minister referred to the 30 proposed projects of river connectivity in the country at an expenditure of Rs. 8 lakh crore. He said “The challenge is to find suitable cost effective, environment friendly technology for efficient water transfer without compromising the quality”.

Dr. Satyapal Singh, Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation said that ‘Har Khet ko Pani’ and ‘Per drop more Crop’ is the highest priority of our government as it is the dream of our Prime Minister to double the income of farmers by the year 2022. He said that irrigation and water conveyance through canals is very costly and it takes a lot of time due to environment and forest clearances and land acquisition problems. The Minister said Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra have started using pipes for water conveyance in place of canal. Dr Singh urged the experts to find cost effective and eco-friendly alternatives to fulfil the objective of ‘Har Khet ko Pani’.

Shri UP Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation highlighted the benefits of large diameter pipes for water conveyance and said that many canals in the country are being constructed for many years and are still not complete. As opposed to canal systems, piped conveyance of water does not require land acquisition and forest clearance. The problems of contamination of water is also greatly reduced, as also loss due to evaporation, he said. The Secretary said the country needs cheaper, cost effective and eco-friendly technologies. Shri Singh hoped that experts will find such solution in the workshop and assured that his Ministry will take quick action on them.

The day long workshop has been organized by WAPCOS and National Water Development Agency jointly under the aegis of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. The workshop is being attended by key stake holders like manufacturing companies, organizations involved in water asset management, engineering specialists, water resources departments of Central and State Governments and private companies and experts from USA, Brazil, Italy, China and South Africa Indian and foreign experts will present papers at the workshop.



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The Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal addressing a press conference after conclusion of the International Workshop on ‘Use of Large Diameter Pipes for Mega Water Conveyance Systems’, in New Delhi on March 09, 2018.
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Prime Minister's Office
12-March, 2018 19:34 IST
PM flags off train between Varanasi and Patna, launches various development projects, addresses public meeting in Varanasi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today flagged off a train between Maduadih Railway Station in Varanasi, and Patna. He launched various development projects and addressed a public meeting at the DLW Grounds in Varanasi.

He complimented the people of Kashi for extending a warm welcome . He said the Government of India is committed to the continuous development and upgradation of DLW, which is a symbol of the industrial development of Varanasi.

He appreciated the efforts of the State Government in the housing sector, and to ensure that more people get access to housing facilities.

He also appreciated the exhibition on various "waste to wealth" initiatives that was set up at the venue.

He said there is immense potential for tourism in Varanasi, and all efforts should be made to keep the city clean.

The Prime Minister said that the recently announced Ayushman Bharat scheme is going to transform the health sector. It will provide top quality healthcare to the poor, he added.

The Prime Minister complimented the Uttar Pradesh State Government for implementing schemes extremely well.



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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the various development projects, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on March 12, 2018. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, the Minister of State for Communications (I/C) and Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha and other dignitaries are also seen.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the various development projects, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on March 12, 2018. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, the Minister of State for Communications (I/C) and Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha and other dignitaries are also seen.

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the various development projects, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on March 12, 2018. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath and the Minister of State for Communications (I/C) and Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha are also seen.

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the various development projects, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on March 12, 2018. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath and the Minister of State for Communications (I/C) and Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha are also seen.

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the various development projects, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on March 12, 2018. The Minister of State for Communications (I/C) and Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha is also seen.

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing a public meeting, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on March 12, 2018.

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing a public meeting, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on March 12, 2018.

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Ministry of Water Resources
12-March, 2018 14:33 IST
Various Steps for Utilisation of Funds for Ganga Rejuvenation

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is assessing the water quality of 540 rivers including River Ganga and Yamuna at 1533 locations in association with State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees throughout the country.

The water quality monitoring results reflect that organic matter and bacterial population of faecal origin continue to dominate the pollution problem and that the rivers are polluted in downstream of major urban centers due to large scale water abstraction and discharge of untreated/partially treated/treated wastewater not meeting the criteria.

In its 39th Report, CAG has reported that an amount of Rs. 2,133.76 crore and
Rs. 422.13 crore remained unutilized in National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the State Program Management Groups, respectively, as on 31 March 2017. Basically, projects are executed mostly by state agencies and expenditure are incurred by them. NMCG releases the fund quarterly based on the projected fund demand of the state. The government has taken various steps to increase the utilization of the funds, e.g. time bound tendering & project award, release of mobilization advance, revised Administrative Approval and Expenditure Sanction (AA&ES) for the stuck-up projects, solving the long pending issues of land, No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from various agencies etc. This is likely to result in creation of additional treatment capacity through Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and better fund utilization. Now the projects are being sanctioned with 10-15 years operation and maintenance cost for sewerage projects to ensure long term viability and smooth maintenance of these projects, helping in Ganga rejuvenation. Further, river front development projects have been taken up including development/ rehabilitation of Ghats and crematoria to have a long term impact and resulting in better human- river interaction.

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

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Ministry of Water Resources
12-March, 2018 14:25 IST
One Day Conference on Command Area Development

A one-day Conference on Command Area Development is being organised by Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation on March 13, 2018 at CSMRS Auditorium, New Delhi. The Conference is to be inaugurated by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Road Transport & Highways and Shipping as Chief Guest. Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation and Parliamentary Affairs will be the guest of honour.
The Conference is being organised to promote awareness on Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) amongst the 18 participating states in which Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) projects are being implemented involving the concerned Central and State Government agencies as well as non-governmental organisations active in the area.

A Plenary session and three technical sessions have been planned for the Conference. Conference deliberations will cover such themes as new initiatives in CADWM implementation; Aim of CADWM programme & present Day Challenges; CADWM implementation under PMKSY, and Participatory Irrigation Management. Eminent speakers from Central and State governments and other apex organisations will make focussed presentations on the themes of the conference followed by open house discussions. About 200 delegates from the Command Area Development Authority (CADA) and irrigation departments of all participating states, officers from the Union Ministry of Water Resources, and Central government organisations like Central Water Commission, Central Ground Water Board, National Water Development Agency, Central Soil Material Research Station etc are participating in the Conference. The deliberations during the Conference are expected to lead to valuable recommendation for future implementation by the government.

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Ministry of Water Resources
12-March, 2018 14:32 IST
Sharing and Management of Cauvery River Water

Hon’ble Supreme Court has given its final judgment dated 16.02.2018 on Civil Appeals filed by Party States in respect of Cauvery River Water Dispute. In its judgment, Hon’ble Supreme Court has also directed that a scheme shall be framed under Section 6A of the ISRWD Act, 1956 by the Central Government within a span of six weeks from the date of its judgment to implement the Tribunal’s Award further modified by them. Action, which includes commutation with the party states, has been initiated in the Ministry towards framing a scheme for implementation of Tribunal’s award, as modified by Hon’ble Supreme Court.



This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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Ministry of Water Resources
12-March, 2018 18:09 IST
Centre Constitutes Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal

The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has issued a notification today constituting the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal. The Tribunal will have its headquarters at Delhi and will have the following members nominated by the Chief Justice of India:

  1. Mr Justice A.M. Khanwilkar, Judge, Supreme Court of India as Chairman
  2. Dr Justice Ravi Ranjan, Judge, Patna High Court as Member
  3. Mrs Justice Indermeet Kaur Kochhar, Judge, Delhi High Court as Member
The Tribunal has been constituted following orders of the Supreme Court dated 23rd January, 2018 in a suit filed by the Government of Odisha. The Government of Odisha had sought to refer the water dispute regarding the inter-state river Mahanadi and its river valley to a Tribunal for adjudication under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.

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Ministry of Water Resources
12-March, 2018 14:34 IST
River Conservation Zone identified by NMCG

The state-wise number of Automatic Water Quality Monitoring Stations deployed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on river Ganga as on January, 2018 is as follows:

State
Number of Automatic WQ stations


Uttarakhand
2

Uttar Pradesh
26

Bihar
5

West Bengal
11

Total
44

Presently surface trash-skimmers machine are in operation in 11 cities of 6 states. The state-wise breakup of the trash-skimmers is as under:



Sr No
State
No of trash-skimmers
Location


1
Uttarakhand
1
Haridwar

2
Uttar Pradesh
5
Garhmukteshwar, Kanpur, Varanasi, Allahabad, Mathura-Vrindavan

3
Bihar
1
Patna

4
Jharkhand
1
Sahibganj

5
West Bengal
2
Nabdwip, Howrah

6
Delhi
1
Delhi


A comprehensive Ganga River Basin Management Plan (GRBMP) has been prepared by the consortium of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) with the objectives of taking comprehensive measures for restoration of river Ganga in its basin.

Based on this approach, District Ganga Committees constituted under the provisions of the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities order, 2016 have to prepare plan for protection, control and abatement of pollution in River Ganga and its tributaries and their river bed abutting the specified District and which may be recommended by the State Governments, State Ganga Committees and NMCG for adoption and completion. 47 District Ganga Committees have accordingly been notified.

Further, Hon’ble NGT in its order dated 15.12.2017 in the matter of O.A. No. 200 of
2014- M.C. Mehta Vs. Union of India & Ors. has inter-alia directed that “area of 100 mtrs. from the edge of the river shall be treated as Prohibitory Zone while 100 mtrs. to 300 mtrs. Would be treated as Regulatory Zone and till the time the State notifies the restricted activities, there shall be no construction activity even in the Regulatory Zone.”

Further, the State of Uttarakhand vide its G.O. No. 1995/V-2-2017-58(AA)/2014 has issued Regulatory Policy, guidelines and by laws for regulation of construction activities in the hilly areas on the banks of river Ganga above Rishikesh.

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

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Ministry of Water Resources
12-March, 2018 14:33 IST
Various Steps for Utilisation of Funds for Ganga Rejuvenation

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is assessing the water quality of 540 rivers including River Ganga and Yamuna at 1533 locations in association with State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees throughout the country.



The water quality monitoring results reflect that organic matter and bacterial population of faecal origin continue to dominate the pollution problem and that the rivers are polluted in downstream of major urban centers due to large scale water abstraction and discharge of untreated/partially treated/treated wastewater not meeting the criteria.



In its 39th Report, CAG has reported that an amount of Rs. 2,133.76 crore and
Rs. 422.13 crore remained unutilized in National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the State Program Management Groups, respectively, as on 31 March 2017. Basically, projects are executed mostly by state agencies and expenditure are incurred by them. NMCG releases the fund quarterly based on the projected fund demand of the state. The government has taken various steps to increase the utilization of the funds, e.g. time bound tendering & project award, release of mobilization advance, revised Administrative Approval and Expenditure Sanction (AA&ES) for the stuck-up projects, solving the long pending issues of land, No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from various agencies etc. This is likely to result in creation of additional treatment capacity through Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and better fund utilization. Now the projects are being sanctioned with 10-15 years operation and maintenance cost for sewerage projects to ensure long term viability and smooth maintenance of these projects, helping in Ganga rejuvenation. Further, river front development projects have been taken up including development/ rehabilitation of Ghats and crematoria to have a long term impact and resulting in better human- river interaction.



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

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The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari lighting the lamp to inaugurate the one day conference on Command Area Development, in New Delhi on March 13, 2018. The Secretary (Water Resources), Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga, Shri U.P. Singh is also seen.
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The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari addressing at the inauguration of the one day conference on Command Area Development, in New Delhi on March 13, 2018.

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The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari addressing at the inauguration of the one day conference on Command Area Development, in New Delhi on March 13, 2018.

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Ministry of Water Resources
13-March, 2018 15:25 IST
Gadkari calls for Faster Utilization of Funds under Command Area Development Programme

Conference on Command Area Development inaugurated

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Nitin Gadkari has called for faster utilization of funds allocated for Command Area Development (CAD) under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP). Inaugurating the daylong conference on CAD in New Delhi today the Minister expressed concern over the fact that funds allocated for CAD have not been adequately utilized, and said that the overall purpose of AIBP will be defeated if CAD is not implemented properly. Shri Gadkari said that scarcity of water is one of the main reasons for large scale migration of people from rural to urban areas. He said scientific planning and management of water resources is the need of the hour. Referring to various new irrigation practices such as micro, drip, sprinklers irrigation etc. Shri Gadkari said this would result not only in saving water but also enhance agricultural production and will reduce agricultural cost per acre. Shri Gadkari said instead of going for large dams we should explore the possibility of going for check dams, rubber dams and small barrages. He called upon the experts to deliberate on these issues and get rid of redundant technologies and old concepts.

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Addressing the conference Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri UP Singh said that CAD usually has not been given due importance in irrigation but is very important for agricultural production. Command Area Development includes developing infrastructure for micro irrigation, land leveling, participatory irrigation management and scheduling cropping patterns. All these are important to enhance agricultural production and meet the objective of More Crop Per Drop and Har Khet Ko Pani. He further said that there is a gap in irrigation potential created and its full utilization. CAD helps in fully utilizing the system developed for irrigation. He expressed the hope that this conference will bring out some meaningful and concrete suggestions.

Command Area Development Programme was launched by Government of India in 1974-75. It was restructured and renamed as Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) Programme in 2004. The programme is being implemented pari-passu with AIBP since XII Plan. It is being implemented under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) as a component of Har Khet Ko Pani. From July, 2016 onwards, the CADWM implementation is focused on the mission mode completion of the 99 Priority Irrigation projects through NABARD funding. Two of the main objectives of PMKSY are Har Khet Ko Pani and More Crop Per Drop. In order to achieve these objectives, successful implementation of Command Area Development works becomes most important. Water may be available in the reservoir or canal but it has to reach each farm and farmers need to use this limited water in the most efficient way. This is possible only on successful implementation of both structural and non-structural components of CADWM and taking over of the system by the Water Users Associations for sustainable operation and management.

The day long conference was attended by experts and senior officials of WAPCOS, CWC, NWDA and Ministry and discussions were held on Command Area Development and Water Management- Need for New interventions, CADWM implementations under PMKSY, Participatory Irrigation Management and Pani-Panchayat in Odisha.

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Ministry of Shipping
15-March, 2018 18:06 IST
Yamuna Water Taxi Project

Inland Waterways Authority of India, IWAI, had invited separate tenders for ferry vessels, fairway development (dredging) and setting up of floating jetties to introduce water taxi services from Wazirabad to FatehpurJat on the 16 km stretch of Yamuna river (National Waterway-110) in the Delhi NCR region. The National Green Tribunal was approached for clearance regarding ecological and environmental aspects for plying of water taxi on river Yamuna. NGT referred the matter to a Principal Committee, which in its meeting on 05.05.2017, deliberated upon the ecological and environmental aspects for plying of water taxi on Yamuna. The Principal Committee had opined that the project proponent should relook at the proposal taking into account the environmental impact of the activities proposed in the drinking water reservoir and carry out the cost benefit analysis of the project taking into account the environmental costs and approach the Principal Committee for re-consideration of the proposal. NGT, Delhi has been duly informed about the recommendations of the Principal Committee. IWAI has appointed an agency to carry out the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), Social Impact Assessment (SIA) study and cost benefit analysis of the Wazirabad to FatehpurJat stretch in river Yamuna.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Shipping Shri Pon. Radhakrishnan in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Water Resources
15-March, 2018 15:43 IST
Action to reduce pollution in Yamuna River

The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation is supplementing the efforts of states for checking the rising level of pollution of river Yamuna, by providing financial assistance to states of Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh in a phased manner since 1993 under the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP). The total expenditure incurred on conservation of river Yamuna under the YAP Phase – I & II is Rs. 1514.70 crore.

At present, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) assisted YAP Phase-III project is under implementation at an estimated cost of Rs 1656 crore in Delhi for rehabilitation and up-gradation of existing Sewage Treatment Plants (950 Million Litres Per Day) and Trunk sewers (43 kms) in Delhi. Delhi Jal Board (DJB) is the implementing agency. The duration of YAP-III project is 7 years. As part of various steps to clean river Yamuna under the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal (NGT)’s Maily Se Nirmal Yamuna Revitalization Plan 2017, Phase-I, the Ministry has sanctioned the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) works in command area of Najafgarh Drain (Dhansa to Keshopur) in Delhi for an estimated amount of Rs. 344.81 crore.

In addition to these, following projects have been undertaken by the State Govt. of Delhi for addressing the problem of pollution of river Yamuna:

  • Construction of 318 MLD (70 Million gallons per day) STP with 10 years Operation & Maintenance (O&M) on at Coronation Pillar.
  • Construction of 15 MGD (68.1 MLD) Waste Water Treatment Plant at Delhi Gate drain.
  • Construction of 7 decentralised Waste Water Treatment Plant in Najafgarh Zone.
  • Laying of Sewer lines in unauthorised colonies.
  • Rehabilitation of 3 Peripheral Sewer lines.
Further, two projects “STP & Sewerage works” in Sonepat and Panipat towns were sanctioned at total cost of Rs. 217.87 crore for pollution abatement of river Yamuna. The main project components include construction of new STPs of 70 MLD capacity and rehabilitation of existing STPs of 75 MLD capacity. The works have been implemented by Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Haryana.

In Uttar Pradesh, Two projects “Rehabilitation of Sewerage Infrastructure and Augmentation/ Upgradation of STP at Vrindavan (Mathura), U.P. has been sanctioned at a total cost of Rs. 33.81 crore for pollution abatement of river Yamuna and other project “Rehabilitation/Renovation of Mathura sewerage scheme” has been sanctioned at a total cost of Rs. 204.97 crore under hybrid annuity based PPP model. These works are in bidding stage.

Delhi has 28 Approved Industrial Areas (Planned Industrial Areas) and 22
Redevelopment Areas (Redevelopment of Clusters of Industrial Concentration in Non Conforming Areas). Regarding water pollution control from the industries in Delhi, for the treatment of the waste water generated from industrial areas, 13 Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) have been provided with a capacity of 46.59MGD ( 211.8 MLD Capacity). Out of 13 CETPs, 10 are being operated by the CETP Societies of the Industrial Areas and 3 are being operated by the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC). For proper Operation and Maintenance of these CETPs, Operators of CETP have been asked to install Online Monitoring System. Besides CETPs there are about 2000 Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) installed by the individual units operating in Delhi including Industries, Hotels, Restaurants etc. DPCC has reported that 3 Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs) in Delhi have installed on Line Monitoring System. Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) monitors the Sewage Treatment Plants of Delhi Jal Board and 13 Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) and takes action to ensure compliance as per the provision of different legislation.

The MoS for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation & Parliamentary Affairs Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal gave this information in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.



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