PM chairs meeting of National Ganga River Basin Authority

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Power
17-March, 2018 19:30 IST
Shri R K Singh dedicates 4,611 smart LED streetlights to the people of Ara, Bihar; calls it a moment of great pride and joy

These 4,611 smart LED lights installed in a record time of just three weeks; Approx 3 lakh more such lights to be installed in all 38 districts of Bihar Social audit shows 90 per cent people in Ara are satisfied with the new lighting levels

Shri R K Singh, Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, today dedicated 4,611 smart and energy-efficient LED lights to the people of Ara, Bihar, today. These LED lights have been installed in a record time of just three weeks under the Street Light National Programme (SLNP) of the Ministry of Power, Government of India. Ara Municipal Corporation is expected to save 27 lakh kWh energy/year, and Rs. 13.6 crore over seven years.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri R K Singh, “It is a moment of great pride and joy to dedicate the smart, future-ready and energy-efficient LED streetlights to the people of Ara. These lights will not only illuminate the streets but also enable better and safe mobility for the citizens. I commend the efforts of Ara Municipal Corporation and EESL for their relentless work to complete the installation of smart LED street lights in a record time. I am sure such commitment and effort will be replicated across Bihar.”

“The government is working effortlessly to integrate centre, state and the industry through this programme. This collaboration is leading to better opportunities for consumers to enable savings as well as help the nation towards energy sufficiency and cleaner environment” he added.

SLNP is the world's largest streetlight replacement programme being implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)- a joint venture of PSUs under the Ministry of Power, Government of India. The Government of Bihar had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in December 2017 with EESL to retrofit and install approximately 3 lakh conventional street lights with LEDs in all 38 districts. Within a record time of only three weeks, EESL has replaced 4,611 conventional lights with LEDs and completed the infrastructure work for segregation of street light circuit from normal electricity distribution circuit in the city.

As a part of this drive, EESL is collaborating with all 143 ULBs in 38 districts of Bihar, including 12 Nagar Nigams, 46 Nagar Parishads and 85 Nagar Panchayats. Once all these conventional street lights are replaced with LEDs, these LED lights will help the ULBs as well as the nation to save over 7 crore deemed units of energy annually, with an avoided peak demand of 17 MW. The retrofitting drive will also lead to an annual reduction of over 57,400 tonnes of CO2 playing a crucial role in India’s climate goals.

These ‘smart lights’ are connected through a web-based monitoring system that enables remote operations and additional operational savings. EESL has installed 89 panels of Centralised Control and Monitoring System (CCMS) with GIS mapping for remote control and monitoring of street lights.

Shri Suresh Kumar Sharma, Minister for Urban Development & Housing Department, Government of Bihar and Shri Rajeev Sharma, Chairman, EESL were among the dignitaries present at the event.

Background:

The procurement price of the LED streetlights has reduced from Rs. 135/watt to Rs. 70/watt due to mass procurement by EESL making LEDs affordable and accessible. EESL makes the entire upfront investment in retrofitting the streetlights. Municipalities pay EESL from the savings in energy and maintenance cost over seven years. EESL aims to create market innovations through solutions-driven approach and novel business model of Zero-Subsidy, Zero-Capex and pay-as-you-save. EESL also undertakes social audits in all states post completion of the project.

EESL’s procurements conform to BIS specification and carry a seven-year warranty against technical defects. EESL conducts appropriate quality checks right from the bidding stage to the field level. This has resulted in the LEDs’ overall technical fault being less than 2 per cent in over 50 lakh lights installed by EESL in the country. EESL has maintained an uptime of 97 per cent for all street lights across the country.

EESL has a stringent complaint redressal mechanism wherein consumers can write to us on Twitter and Facebook - for Twitter @EESL_India and for Facebook @EESLIndia for registering complaints. The official EESL complaint registration email ID is helpline@eesl.co.in. Consumers can also register their complaints at the EESL complaint logging portal - http://support.eeslindia.org/.





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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation
19-March, 2018 20:28 IST
Fourteen States firm up Action plans for IEC in SBM-G

The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation today held a National Consultation on Information, Education and Communication (IEC) in the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) {SBM-G} in Delhi. This was the second such consultation under the Ministry’s plan to finalise IEC plans of all the States. In the first consultation, held on January 19-20, 2018, Gurugram, 15 States had participated. In today’s consultation, senior officials from 14 States (7 ODF and 7 non-ODF States) participated.

The participating States finalised and presented their Annual IEC plans for FY 2018-19, detailing out the proposed IEC activities and the earmarked allocations for the same. Specialists/experts from the World Bank, UNICEF and other Development Partners shared their inputs on various IEC interventions.

The Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Parameswaran Iyer, in his address, spoke about the central role of IEC in the Swachh Bharat Mission. He added that, while amount of IEC expenditure is important, the quality of IEC spends is also crucial for sustaining the progress made. Encouraging the participants, he said that effective and well-planned workshops at the State/district level should be regularly conducted for sharing and learning best practices. Further, he added that special IEC funds may be earmarked for the ODF States/districts to achieve sustainability goals. He also expressed confidence that, with the sustained and focused implementation that the Mission was receiving by the State governments, the Prime Minister's vision of a Swachh Bharat by October 2, 2019 would be realized.

It was noted at the Consultation that IEC expenditure in SBM-G countrywide has shown a substantial increase, thus strengthening the behavior change efforts at the grassroots. The Ministry also planned key innovative media campaigns and IEC interventions in FY 2017-18, such as Swachhata Hi Seva, Satyagraha Se Swachhagraha, Swachh Sankalp Se Swachh Siddhi, Swachh Shakti, ODF Week leading to Independence Day 2017 and many others where States participated enthusiastically, thus driving the behaviour change efforts.



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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
22-March, 2018 18:25 IST
NMCG Awarded Certificate of Appreciation for “Encouragement and Appreciation of the Efforts in Ganga Rejuvenation” During Water Digest Water Awards 2017-18

Also Bags IJ Global Awards 2017 Asia-Pacific Water Deal of the Year

Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal has stressed upon the efficient use of finite water resources in the country. Emphasizing upon the importance of water in every walk of life, the Minister said it is central to all questions of life.

The Minister was addressing the gathering while giving away the Certificate of Appreciation for ‘Encouragement and Appreciation of the Efforts in Ganga Rejuvenation” to the National Mission for Clean Ganga during the Water Digest Water Awards 2017-18 held yesterday.

Addressing the gathering, Director General, NMCG, Sh. Rajiv Ranjan Mishra talked about the water situation in the country. He also talked about the ongoing projects under Namami Gange programme. Shri Mishra also participated as a panelist in Water Digest Conclave which was organized on 20th March 2018 at New Delhi. The conclave was organized on the theme – “Restoring Water, Restoring Nature.”

World Water Day, observed on 22 March every year, is about focusing attention on the importance of water. The theme for World Water Day 2018 is ‘Nature for Water’ – exploring nature-based solutions to the water challenges we face in the 21st century. World Water Day is coordinated by UN-Water – the UN’s inter-agency collaboration mechanism for all freshwater related issues - in collaboration with governments and partners.

NMCG bags IJ Global Awards 2017

National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) was also awarded with IJ Global Awards 2017 Asia-Pacific Water Deal of the Year: Clean Ganga Varanasi Wastewater Project. A 50 MLD STP project in Varanasi under Hybrid Annuity based-PPP mode has been chosen as the “Water Deal of the Year”. ED (Projects), NMCG, Shri Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana received this award at a ceremony in Singapore on 21st March 2018.

Figure 1: DG, NMCG Sh. R.R. Mishra receiving Water Digest Water Awards for "Encouragement and Appreciation of the Efforts in Ganga Rejuvenation."

Figure 2: DG, NMCG Sh. R.R. Mishra during Water Digest Conclave held on Tuesday

Figure 3: ED (Projects), NMCG Shri Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana recieving IJ Global Awards 2017 in Singapore

Figure 4: Tree plantation being done by locals during Ganga Swachhta Pakhwada event in Bijnor on the occasion of World Water Day

Figure 5: Shram Daan organized at Ganga Barrage in Bijnor on the occasion of World Water Day

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Ministry of Water Resources
22-March, 2018 17:43 IST
Desilting of Water Bodies

De-siltation of water bodies and dams is prime responsibility of owners of water bodies and dam owners who are generally State Governments or Central PSUs like BBMB, NHPC etc. In order to supplement the efforts of the State Governments, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (MoWR, RD & GR) provides technical and financial assistance to encourage sustainable development and efficient management of water resources through various schemes and programmes such as Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of water bodies scheme and Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Programme (DRIP).

Government of India has released Rs.55.29 crore as central assistance to various States under RRR of water bodies scheme of PMKSY (Har Khet ko Pani) during FY 2017-18 (till 10th March 2018). Central Government has released central assistance of Rs.9.2235 crore to Tamil Nadu, during last 3 years, under the RRR of water bodies scheme.

Government of India, with financial assistance from the World Bank, started Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) in 2012 for rehabilitation of 223 dam projects, initially in 4 States (namely Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Tamil Nadu) and Central Water Commission (CWC). Later, Karnataka Water Resources Department, Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and UJVN Limited joined the project.

DRIP is a State sector scheme with two central components i.e. for CWC & DVC. All the expenditure is incurred by the DRIP Implementing Agencies (IAs) from their budget and reimbursed by the World Bank (to the tune of 80% of the total expenditure incurred).

Under DRIP, de-siltation works of two dams of Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Company (TANGEDCO), namely, Kundahapalam and Papanasam have been taken up at a cost of Rs.18.19 crores and Rs.13.26 crores respectively.

Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernization and Water Bodies Restoration and Management Project Phase-I was received in 2007 for external funding of $ 335 million from World Bank. The project was completed on 15th January 2016.

Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernization and Water Resources Management Project Phase-2 was approved and recommended by MoWR, RD & GR. The project was sent to Department of Economic Affairs on 29th June 2015 for external funding agency from the World Bank. The main objective of this project is to increase irrigated agriculture productivity in a sustainable water resource management framework for selected Cauvery sub-basin stakeholders. World Bank has accepted the project for loan assistance on 26th October 2015.

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

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Ministry of Water Resources
22-March, 2018 17:40 IST
Funds for Irrigation Projects

Water Resources projects are planned, funded, executed and maintained by the State Governments themselves as per their own resources and priorities. In order to supplement the efforts of the State Governments, Government of India provides technical and financial assistance to State Governments to encourage sustainable development and efficient management of water resources through various schemes and programmes such as Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) etc. under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).



During 2016-17, eight (08) irrigation projects of Andhra Pradesh have been prioritized under PMKSY-AIBP for completion in phases by December, 2019. Their details regarding districts benefitted, Central Assistance (CA) etc. are given below:



(Rs. In Cr.)

S.No
Name of Project
District(s) Benefitted

CA Released/ Sanctioned under AIBP++
Upto 31.03.3016
2016-17
2017-18 (so far)


State share released by NABARD under AIBP
2016-17
2017-18 (so far)



1.

Gundlakamma Reservoir Project+
Prakasham

99.3525
-
11.7900

1.6050
146.9850



2.

Tadipudi Lift Irrigation Scheme

West Godavari

48.2200
-
-


55.00
-



3.

Pushkara Lift Irrigation Scheme

East Godavari

47.0847
-
-


34.00
-





4.

Thotapally Barrage Project

Srikakulam, Vijayanagaram



99.7310

-
-

-
-


5.

TarakaramTeertaSagaram

Vijayanagaram

33.0060

-

3.4470

7.2960

244.4540



6.

Musurumilli Reservoir Project

East Godavari

85.7420

7.40

-


-
-


7.

Yerrakalva Reservoir Project

West Godavari

28.4630

-
-


-
-


8.

Maddigedda Reservoir Project*

East Godavari

3.7920
-
-

-
-


* Completed Project

+An amount of Rs.3.64 crore has also been sanctioned for CAD works during 2017-18.

++CA is released for the projects on receipt of proposals from the State Government as per their eligibility.


In addition, Polavaram project of Andhra Pradesh is also getting Central funding. An amount of Rs.3364.16 crore has been released to Polavaram Project Authority (PPA) for this project after it was declared National Project from 1st April 2014 to 31st March 2017. Further, an amount of Rs.2000 crore has been released to PPA for this project during 2017-18 so far.

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

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Ministry of Water Resources
22-March, 2018 17:39 IST
New Projects for Ganga River Cleaning

The Swajal Pilot Project has been planned in six States viz. Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. The Villages have been selected by the States. So far, two Swajal pilot projects have been launched in Bagori village of Uttarakashi district in Uttarakhand and Bhikampura village of Karauli district in Rajasthan.

Gangotri has been taken up as one of the Iconic Sites which is a part of Swachhta Iconic Places Project under Swachh Bharat Mission. Bagori Ganga Gram is one of the 24 Pilot Ganga Grams under Namai Gange Mission.

New Swajal Project is a drinking water supply project and Gangotri Iconic Place is under Swachh Iconic Places. Bagori Ganga Gram Project is under Namami Gange Mission.

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

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Ministry of Water Resources
22-March, 2018 16:56 IST
8th National Level Painting Competition

The Central Ground Water Board, under the ‘Information, Education and Communication’ (IEC) Scheme of Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation organizing the 8th National Level Painting Competition for School children at AP Shinde Symposium Hall, PUSA, New Delhi on 26th March 2018. The Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Road Transport and Highways and Shipping Shri Nitin Gadkari will be the chief guest and distribute the prizes to the winners. Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal & Dr Satya Pal Singh, Ministers of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation shall be Guests of Honour.

The first three prize winners from each State/ UT will participate in the 8th National Painting Competition on the theme “Save water-Save Nature”. A total of 93 students are expected to participate in the event from various States/UTs. The competition carries a First prize of Rs. 50,000/-, Four Second prizes of Rs. 25,000/- each, Five Third prizes of Rs 10,000/- each, and Consolation prizes of Rs. 5000/- each to the remaining participants. Regional Directors of Regions with the highest participation of students in the school-level competitions shall also be felicitated during the function. Around 7.5 lakh students from more than 8,500 schools across the country have participated in the School Level Competitions, conducted during November – December 2017.


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Ministry of Water Resources
22-March, 2018 16:55 IST
Shri Gadkari calls for Public Participation in Water Conservation Efforts

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari has called for public participation in water conservation efforts of the government. He said, water conservation is the key to all round advancement of the society. Shri Gadkari stressed upon enhanced afforestation, which leads to employment generation and prosperity.

Addressing a FICCI summit on role of water in farmers’income in New Delhi today, the Minister cited the example of power plants on the banks of river Ganga. He said, there are 24 power plants, which draw water from the river. Shri Gadkari said, these plants can be provided cleaned sewage water for power production. Similarly, railways and agriculture can also utilise such water, thereby reducing burden on fresh water supply.

The Minister also suggested cost cutting in desalination of sea water so that not only drinking water supply improves, but also at a much cheaper rate.


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[Hindustani78]

President's Secretariat
26-March, 2018 17:50 IST
President of India in Varanasi; inaugurates Construction of NHAI Projects, graces Govt of Uttar Pradesh Events; Labels Varanasi a Spiritual City on its way to becoming a Smart City

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind graced various functions of the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the National Highways Authority of India in Varanasi today (March 26, 2018). These included laying of the foundation stone for five projects of NHAI, and distribution of appointment letters to candidates selected at a job fair organised by the Vyavasaik Shiksha Evam Kaushal Vikas Vibhag of the Government of Uttar Pradesh.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that since ancient times, Varanasi has linked northern India with eastern India through waterways on the Ganga as well as by road. The Ganga has contributed to the culture and civilisation of city, and the region, and also to trade and development. Today, the effort is to renew this spirit. Varanasi, through the National Waterways-1, the Eastern Freight Corridor and various highway projects, is re-emphasising its location as the gateway for the northern states to eastern India. The Government is focusing on infrastructure and connectivity to make Varanasi an economic hub.

The President said Varanasi offers enormous opportunities in tourism, which can lead to large-scale employment generation. Varanasi's handicrafts are well-regarded and world famous. The President said he was happy to note that several schemes have been undertaken to provide modern facilities to craftspersons and connect their traditional skills to modern technology as well as new markets. He was confident that the Deendayal Upadhyay Hastkala Sankul, where the function was being hosted, would help artisans in the Varanasi region enhance incomes and create jobs.

The President said he was certain that with its legacy and heritage — and the knowledge, wisdom and talent of its people — Varanasi would continue to be a leading city in the 21st century. He was glad to learn of the initiatives of the Union and state Governments in this regard.

Later in the day, the President received the first copy of the Sanskrit translation of the book ‘Charaiveti! Charaiveti!!’, written by Shri Ram Naik, Governor of Uttar Pradesh.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Shri Ram Naik has left a distinct impression on public life through five decades of dedication and selfless service. In this book, he has shared his experiences, and has spelt out his philosophy — to work relentlessly, without being affected by setbacks and successes.



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[Hindustani78]

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind at the function, organised by the State Government and NHAI, at Deendayal Upadhyay Hastkala Sankul, at Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh on March 26, 2018. The Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Ram Naik, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath and the Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya are also seen.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind receiving the first copy of the Sanskrit translation of the book ‘Charaiveti Charaiveti’ written by Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Ram Naik at Deendayal Upadhyay Hastkala Sankul, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on March 26, 2018. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, the Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Secretary (Water Resources), Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga, Shri U.P. Singh releasing the publication at the prize distribution ceremony of the winners of 8th National Painting Competition, organised by the Central Ground Water Board of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, in New Delhi on March 26, 2018.

The Secretary (Water Resources), Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga, Shri U.P. Singh distributing the prizes to the winners of 8th National Painting Competition, organised by the Central Ground Water Board of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, in New Delhi on March 26, 2018.

The Secretary (Water Resources), Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga, Shri U.P. Singh distributing the prizes to the winners of 8th National Painting Competition, organised by the Central Ground Water Board of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, in New Delhi on March 26, 2018.

The Secretary (Water Resources), Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga, Shri U.P. Singh distributing the prizes to the winners of 8th National Painting Competition, organised by the Central Ground Water Board of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, in New Delhi on March 26, 2018.

The Secretary (Water Resources), Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga, Shri U.P. Singh addressing at the prize distribution ceremony of the winners of 8th National Painting Competition, organised by the Central Ground Water Board of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, in New Delhi on March 26, 2018.

The Secretary (Water Resources), Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga, Shri U.P. Singh with the winners of 8th National Painting Competition, at a function, organised by the Central Ground Water Board of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, in New Delhi on March 26, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Secretary, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri U.P. Singh offering “Shramdan”, under Swachhta Pakhwada organised by the WAPCOS, at Chhat Ghat, near ITO Bridge, banks of river Yamuna, in New Delhi on March 27, 2018.

The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh calling on the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari, in New Delhi on March 27, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation
29-March, 2018 17:58 IST
Swachh Bharat Summer Internship

A Swachh Bharat Mission – Higher Education Collaboration

The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, the convening and coordinating Ministry of Swachh Bharat Mission, in association with the Ministry of Human Resource Development, has come up with the innovative ‘Swachh Bharat Summer Internship (SBSI) 2018’aimed at engaging the college youth with Swachhata work in villages in the coming Summer vacation. This is in line with the Prime Minister’s clarion call on 2nd October 2014 for each individual to devote 100 hours to Swachhata through the year,

The SBSI aims to engage lakhs of educated youth across the country, develop their skills and orientation for the sanitation sector, amplify mass awareness and cement the people’s movement (Jan andolan) aspect of Swachh Bharat Mission. Under the terms of the Internship, candidates would be required to undertake 100 hours of activities including shramdaan, creation of sanitation infrastructure, system building, behaviour change camiagns and other IEC initiatives in and around nearby villages.

The guidelines for the internship are being formulated in consultation with the Department of Higher Education.The best internships will be recognised at college, University, State and National levels. Every intern who completes the SBSI will also be provided a Certificate of Internship by the Swachh Bharat Mission.

The University Grants Commissionhas agreed to provide 2 credit points as an ‘elective’ under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) to students in Higher Educational Institutions who would be undertaking and completing the SBSI.

Details of the Internship would be soon available in public domain.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Parameswaran Iyer addressing the press conference on “Chalo Champaran”, in New Delhi on April 03, 2018.

The Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Parameswaran Iyer addressing the press conference on “Chalo Champaran”, in New Delhi on April 03, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
05-April, 2018 18:19 IST
Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs to celebrate Swachhata Pakhwada 2018 from 5th April

As a part of Swachh Bharat Mission, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs is celebrating the Swachhata Pakhwada 2018 from today, the April 5th. Minister of State forWater Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal took a meeting with Members of Parliament today to discuss programme and activitiesto be organized relating to the Swachhata Pakhwada.

The meeting was attended by Shri Ram Kripal Yadav, Minister of Statefor Rural Development, Members of Parliament and Officials of Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. A Power Point Presentation on the subject was made by Shri Parameswaran Iyer,Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation, who alsoreplied to and clarified various issues and queries raised by Ministers and Members of Parliament.



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The Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal in a meeting with the Members of Parliament, regarding Swachhta Pakhwada, 2018, observed by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, in New Delhi on April 05, 2018. The Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Ram Kripal Yadav and the Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Parameswaran Iyer are also seen.

The Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal in a meeting with the Members of Parliament, regarding Swachhta Pakhwada, 2018, observed by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, in New Delhi on April 05, 2018. The Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Ram Kripal Yadav and the Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Parameswaran Iyer are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation
09-April, 2018 20:10 IST

To commemorate this landmark, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, in coordination with the Government of Bihar, is working to spread the message of Swachhata across the country by initiating the “Satyagraha se Swachhagraha”campaign, from 3rd to 10th April. More than 10,000 Swachhagrahis from different parts of the country have been invited to Bihar, where they have been working with 10,000 Swachhagrahis from Bihar to “trigger” behaviour change throughout the 38 districts of the State and build momentum of the jan andolan further.

Background: Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Gramin, launched on October 2, 2014 by the Prime Minister of India, ShriNarendraModi, is the largest behaviour change campaign ever attempted in the field of sanitation in the world. It aims to build an ODF (Open Defecation Free) and Swachh Bharat by October 2, 2019 as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary.

India is witnessing a sanitation revolution with the number of people in rural India, practising open defecation having fallen from 55 crores in October 2014 to 20 crores by April 2018. Sanitation has been proven, by various independent studies, to have a positive economic as well as health impact on families in rural India.

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), 6.7 crore toilets have been built, 3.5 lakhs villages and over 360 districts, and 14 States and UTs have already been declared ODF. A recent survey conducted by an Independent Verification Agency across 90,000 households in over 6000 villages has found the rural toilet coverage to be 77% and the usage of these toilets to be 93.4%. The progress is accelerating every day and the Mission is on track to achieve an ODF India before October 2nd, 2019.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
09-April, 2018 16:48 IST
Prime Minister to lay foundation stone for four sewerage projects worth rs 1111.56 crore for Patna tomorrow

29 Projects worth Rs 5042.11 crore ongoing in Bihar under Namami Gange Programme

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for four sewerage projects worth Rs 1111.56 crore for the city of Patna tomorrow. The ceremony will take place at Motihari town in Bihar. These four projects together will create new Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) capacity of 60 MLD and lay the sewer network of 376.12 km in Saidpur and Pahari sewerage zones of Patna.



Details of the Projects in Patna for which foundation stone is to be laid by the Prime Minister:

Project

Cost (in crore)

1) Laying of 172.50 km of sewerage network in Saidpur zone in Patna (Agreement already signed)

431.22 crore

2) Laying of 87.696 km of sewerage network in Pahari sewerage zone in Patna (Agreement likely to be signed shortly)

167.80 crore

3) Laying of 115.93 km of sewerage network in Pahari sewerage zone in Patna (Agreement likely to be signed shortly)

364.90 crore

4) Development of a 60 MLD STP in Pahari sewerage zone in Patna

147.64 crore

Total

1111.56 crore



In addition to the above, three more projects are scheduled to start soon in Karmalichak, Digha and Kankarbagh sewerage zones in Patna to create a total of 150 MLD STP capacity and lay 534.54 km of sewerage network. Two of these three projects are under Hybrid Annuity-based PPP mode.

Earlier, on 14th October 2017, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone for four projects in Patna at Mokama in Bihar. These were Beur STP, Beur sewerage network, Saidpur STP and adjoining network and Karmalichak STP. The total awarded cost of these projects was Rs. 738.04 crore. They will create STP capacity of 140 MLD and lay 422.88 km of sewerage network in these sewerage zones of Patna.



The above 11 projects in Patna worth Rs 3237.69 crore will create total of 350 MLD sewage treatment capacity and lay down 1140.26 km of sewerage lines. The expected sewage load for the city by 2035 is 320 MLD. Once these projects are completed, no sewage water from Patna will flow into river Ganga. These projects will ensure that no untreated water goes into Ganga in Patna and sewer lines reach every household in the town. Besides these, a total of 29 projects worth Rs 5042.11 crore are ongoing in Bihar under Namami Gange programme.

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[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
10-April, 2018 13:36 IST
PM addresses National Convention of Swachhagrahis, launches development projects in Motihari

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed the National Convention of Swachhagrahis at Motihari. The event has been organized, as part of the centenary celebrations of the Satyagraha led by Mahatma Gandhi, in Champaran.

On this occasion, the Prime Minister launched several important development projects as well. In the Water Supply and Sanitation sector, he unveiled a plaque to mark the foundation stone of Motijheel Project, the Bettiah Nagar Parishad Water Supply Scheme, and four Ganga Projects, namely: the Saidpur Sewage Network, Patna; the Pahari Sewage Network, Zone 4, Patna; the Pahari Sewagw Network, Zone 5, Patna; and the Pahari STP project.

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The Prime Minister said that whether it is the Swachh Bharat Mission, or the fight against corruption, or the development of civic amenities, the Union Government is working shoulder to shoulder with the State Government. He said the projects worth over Rs. 6600 crore launched today would go a long way in the development of the region and the State.He mentioned the project for the rejuvenation of Motijheel, which he described as a part of the history of Motihari. He mentioned that 11 projects worth more than Rs 3000 crore have been approved so far, to prevent waste water from entering the River Ganga.

Addressing an enthusiastic gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that the atmosphere at Motihari today, evokes the same spirit of mass movement, that marked the Champaran Satyagraha, a century ago.

He said that in this journey of Satayagraha to Swachhagraha, the people of Bihar have shown their ability to lead. He noted the remarkable progress made in toilet construction in Bihar in the last one week. He appreciated the efforts of the people of the State, and the State Government for the same.


Speaking of the achievements in sanitation, the Prime Minister mentioned that sanitation coverage has expanded from about 40 percent in 2014, to about 80 percent today. He said toilet construction is ending social imbalances, and becoming a means of socio-economic empowerment and women empowerment. He described the mass movement of Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan as a phenomenon unparalleled anywhere in the world, in the 21st century.

The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the resolve for Swachhta would write a new chapter of a clean and prosperous India.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
10-April, 2018 16:37 IST
100 major events organised to make Swachhta a ‘Jan Andolan’

100 water bodies were cleaned through shramdaan

Ministry of Water Resources, River Development, Ganga Rejuvenation ends its Swachchta Pakhwara on a very positive note

The Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal and Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and Human Resource Development Dr Satya Pal Singh addressed a joint press conference today, briefing the media on Swachhta Pakhwada 2018 activities organised by the Ministry from 16th March to 31st March 2018.

Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal informed that during this fortnight, more than 100 major events have been organised all over the country, ranging from Rudraprayag, in the North to Chennai, in the South and from Tezpur, in the East to Vadodara in the West. The Ministry, along with all its attached offices, subordinates organisations and PSU’s, took this up as a pan India Mission. Shri Meghwal further informed that over a hundred water bodies were cleaned at various places across the country during this period.

Speaking about the activities of the National Mission for Clean Ganga during this fortnight, MoS Dr Satya Pal Singh said that 34 major events were organized across the Ganga Basin covering 28 towns in the five states of Uttrakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. The opening and closing ceremony of the Pakhwada were organised at Haridwar and Sangam at Allahabad respectively. Over 40 cultural programmes, 70 exhibitions, 500 nukkad nataks , 100 pad yatras and many painting and essay competitions were organized at various places including Kanpur, Patna, Unnao, Sahibganj, Fatehpur, Rishikesh, Kolkata, Varanasi, Munger and Vrindavan. The emphasis during these programmes was on working for sustainable and long terms contributions towards Swachhta.

Efforts were made to involve more and more children by organising events in schools at different places to inculcate cleanliness values in the nation’s future stakeholders. Innovative works were carried out by restoring, cleaning and deepening of water bodies like dams and ponds .

During the Pakhwada special Yamuna Cleanliness Drive was also organised at seven different locations by officers and staff of the Ministry and its subordinate organisations. A‘Swachhta Sarvekshan’ of all attached offices, subordinate organisations and PSU’s under the Ministry was also carried out during the period. The award for the cleanest organisation was bagged by Centre Water Commission, while the award for adopting ‘Innovative Mechanism for Sustainable Cleanliness’ was given to National Water Academy, Pune for installing a compost machine for production of compost by using dry leaves and other bio-degradable waste from the campus.

The Central Reserve Police Force and Central Industrial Security Force also contributed in the cleanliness activities during the Pakhwada and helped to create awareness about the importance of Swachhta and Making it a part of day to day life.

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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 jointly releasing a Swachhta Booklet on the activities, at the recently concluded Swachhta Pakhwada-2018, in New Delhi on April 10, 2018. The Secretary, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri U.P. Singh and other dignitaries are also seen.

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 jointly addressing a press conference on the recently concluded Swachhta Pakhwada-2018, in New Delhi on April 10, 2018. The Secretary, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri U.P. Singh is also seen.

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 jointly addressing a press conference on the recently concluded Swachhta Pakhwada-2018, in New Delhi on April 10, 2018. The Secretary, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri U.P. Singh is also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal addressing a press conference after the first Regional Conference of Eastern States on Water Resources, in Kolkata on April 16, 2018.

The Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal addressing the ‘Conference of Eastern States on Water Resources’, in Kolkata on April 16, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal administering the Swachhta Pledge to Officers/Officials of Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, at Parliament House, in New Delhi on April 17, 2018.