PM chairs meeting of National Ganga River Basin Authority

[Hindustani78]

http://www.hindustantimes.com/luckn...ts-ro-plant/story-cukdYHXUeyIR8Sqbtv77OJ.html

Ramana gram panchayat in Chiraigaon block of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency Varanasi has become the first in Uttar Pradesh to own a RO plant that will supply purified water to locals.

District magistrate Yogeshwar Ram Mishra said, “Ramana is the first gram panchayat in the state to set up a RO plant. Now, purified water is available for Rs 5 per 20 litres that locals can buy.”

Explaining the process, he said locals should deposit Rs 5 with the Jal Mitra of the gram panchayat. The fund collected will be used in maintenance of the plant. He also appealed to locals to save water.


Mishra, who inaugurated the plant on Thursday at the village, commended block development officer Dr Raja Ganpati R who in association with village head Amarnath Yadav took keen interest in bringing up the plant before the deadline. He said if the model succeeds then all gram panchayats will be motivated to set up an RO plant.

He expressed hope that the move by Ramana panchayat will inspire other panchayats in the district to follow suit.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/namami-gange-set-for-rebranding-push/article18401462.ece

For a cleaner future: On the bank of the Ganges river as a man prays in Varanasi. | Photo Credit: DAVID GUTTENFELDER

Ganga Jyoti yatra from Kolkata to Varanasi; roping in Ambassadors on the list for campaign
In the third year of the Narendra Modi government, one of its flagship programmes, the ambitious Namami Gange, is set for a rebranding exercise, and pitches from top advertising agencies invited to giving a public relations push over the next few months.

The move, powered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims at a more participatory approach to the Namami Gange (National Mission for a Clean Ganga-NMCG) programme.

“Given past efforts to clean the river [such as Ganga Action Plans] there is also a certain level of scepticism over whether this latest attempt will be successful. There is thus a need to generate public confidence in the proposed programme,” said a note circulated by the NMCG to those wishing to pitch for the project.

“While there is no questioning the reverence in which the river is held, the emotional connect with the Ganges, for most Indians tends to be restricted to personal ritualistic moments and becomes passive once it is over. Invoking this reverence [aastha] towards the river — without however giving it religious overtones — could be an entry-point towards mass awareness and action towards river clean-up. The proposed campaign therefore needs to evoke a strong soul connect with the Ganga and leverage associated emotion to drive active participation to keep the river clean and healthy,” the note further stated.

Ideas like a Ganga Jyoti yatra (like an Olympic torch run) starting from Kolkata and ending in Varanasi, and roping in brand ambassadors like former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar are some of the things being discussed.

U.P. Singh, director of NMCG confirmed to The Hindu that a long campaign was on the anvil.

“We have invited concepts from the several advertising agencies and are hearing them out,” he said, adding that, “the message that cleaning the Ganga requires participation from everyone hasn’t effectively reached out.”

Slow progress

In spite of being a marquee project of the government, the Namami Gange is yet to show visible progress.

Out of a ₹20,000-crore clean-up programme, only ₹2,000 crore has been sanctioned to the NMCG, the executive authority tasked with commissioning treatment plants, cleaning and beautifying the ghats and setting up improved crematoria. To treat the 12,000 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage emptying into the river, that meanders through 11 States from Uttarakhand to West Bengal, only capacity worth 4,000 MLD exists and of them, only plants with 1,000 MLD capacity are working.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Science & Technology
09-May, 2017 18:56 IST
Work Starts on Cleaning the Barapullah Drain under the Project “LOcal Treatment of Urban Sewage Streams for Healthy Reuse) (LOTUS HR)

The Minister of Science & Technology, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Netherlands, Mr. Bert Koenders and Lt. Governor of Delhi, Sh. Anil Baijal laid the foundation stone to mark the beginning of work on cleaning the Barapullah drain in New Delhi today. The dignitaries also present were Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Prof. K VijayRaghavan, DDA Vice-Chairman, Shri Arun Goel and the Netherlands Ambassador to India H.E. Alphonsus Stoelinga.

The highlight of the ceremony was the laying of the Foundation Stone for the on-site laboratory and pilot plant and the start of the cleaning and beautification of the Barapullah Drain with unveiling of an art work. The art work represents Indo – Dutch collaboration for the LOTUS HR project in form of two flowers - ‘lotus’ and ‘tulip’, depicting the union of Indian and Dutch strengths.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Government has underlined cleaning of our rivers as a major, indeed key mission. The clean Ganga project is being personally monitored by the Prime Minster himself.

There are many available technologies to clean rivers. Their implementation must go ahead with speed. At the same time new de-centralised technologies need to be constantly developed and tested. Some new technologies could be more cost-efficient or better implementable in our context.

With this in mind, Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and NWO, the Netherlands Science Agency announced a joint call for proposals for cleaning the Barapullah drain. DBT in consultation with DDA has identified the Barapullah drain, Sarai Kale Khan, in the state of Delhi for setting up on-site experimental testing lab and for the establishment of a pilot plant. DDA has leased to DBT, a land measuring 200 Sq meters for a period of 5years adjacent to the Sun Dial Park for this purpose.

After a rigorous and robust selection process on both sides, the project “Local Treatment of Urban Sewage Streams for Healthy Reuse (LOTUS)” has been finalised for setting up a demonstration plant for cleaning the Barapullah drain.

The project LOcal Treatment of Urban Sewage Streams for Healthy Reuse (LOTUS HR) is an Indo-Netherlands joint project funded by Department of Biotechnology(DBT), Govt of india and NWO/STW, The Govt of Netherlands. The project has stakeholders from both Academia and Industry from India and Netherlands. It is coordinated by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi with participation of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi and National Environment Research Institute, Nagpur from India while Technical University Delft is coordinating it from The Netherlands, with participation of Environmental Engineering and Water Technology Department, UNESCO, Wageningen University and its Aquatic Ecology Department. There is also commitment from industry, especially from The Netherlands, in terms of both cash and kind towards the project.

The project aims to demonstrate a novel holistic (waste-) water management approach, that will produce clean water that can be reused for various proposes (e.g. industry, agriculture, construction etc.), while simultaneously recovering nutrients and energy from the urban waste water, thus converting drain into profitable mines. Special attention will be paid to pathogen removal and removing conventional and emerging pollutants.

The project will develop an innovative pilot scale plant, suitable to cope with Indian conditions in a location specific manner. The final design of the pilot plant will be scalable and modular, to fit into the highly populated urban terrain.

The participation of end-users in the project will ensure that the demonstration site becomes a self-sustaining initiative that will not finish at the end of the project and will be taken up by the end-users. From the early start of the project, end-users (municipality, DDA, DJB, NGO’s, and companies like Shell, Hydrorock, Nijhuis, Berson, etc.) will be engaged in design at the pilot location as well as in formulation of specific research sub-questions. This will facilitate rapid adoption of the Water Resuse safety plan and the newly developed products.

Dutch and Indian companies will contribute to the project by sharing their existing technologies, which may need adjustments for becoming functional in the pilot plant. Architects like Schulte Holding will advise on incorporating these water treatment units in urban mega cities. Engineers from DDA will help in site preparation and civil construction of the pilot plant.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Netherlands, Mr. Bert Koenders laid the foundation stone to mark the beginning of work on cleaning the Barapullah drain under the Project “Local Treatment of Urban Sewage Streams for Healthy Reuse” (LOTUSHR), at Sarai Kale Khan, Delhi on May 09, 2017. The Lt. Governor of Delhi, Shri Anil Baijal, the Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Prof. K. Vijay Raghavan and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan addressing at the foundation stone laying ceremony to mark the beginning of work on cleaning the Barapullah drain under the Project “Local Treatment of Urban Sewage Streams for Healthy Reuse” (LOTUSHR), at Sarai Kale Khan, Delhi on May 09, 2017.

The Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan addressing at the foundation stone laying ceremony to mark the beginning of work on cleaning the Barapullah drain under the Project “Local Treatment of Urban Sewage Streams for Healthy Reuse” (LOTUSHR), at Sarai Kale Khan, Delhi on May 09, 2017.

The Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan at the foundation stone laying ceremony to mark the beginning of work on cleaning the Barapullah drain under the Project “Local Treatment of Urban Sewage Streams for Healthy Reuse” (LOTUSHR), at Sarai Kale Khan, Delhi on May 09, 2017. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Netherlands, Mr. Bert Koenders, the Lt. Governor of Delhi, Shri Anil Baijal, the Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Prof. K. Vijay Raghavan and other dignitaries are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office15-May, 2017 17:14 IST
PM offers prayers at Narmada Udgam Sthal; addresses gathering at the conclusion of Namaami Narmade - Narmada Seva Yatra, at Amarkantak


The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today offered prayers at the temple at Narmada Udgam Sthal - the origin of the River Narmada. He addressed a large gathering at the conclusion of "Namaami Narmade - Narmada Seva Yatra," at Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh.

Speaking on the occasion, Swami Avdheshananda ji described the Prime Minister as a "Vikas Avatar" and said that the Prime Minister has inspired immense public awareness towards the cause of water conservation.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the Narmada will be made one of the cleanest rivers in the world through people's participation. He said water treatment plants would be set up in all 18 cities in Madhya Pradesh which fall along the banks of the Narmada. He added that the movement will not stop here, but will be extended to other rivers as well.

He expressed confidence that under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, India will become a Vishvaguru. He also congratulated the Prime Minister on the upcoming third anniversary of the formation of the Union Government.

The Prime Minister released Narmada Pravah - the Mission Work Plan for the river Narmada.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that he bows to the travellers of the Narmada Seva Yatra - and hoped that their efforts would bear fruit that serves India, and the poorest of the poor.

Stating that the River Narmada has been a life-giver for centuries, the Prime Minister said that in recent times, the Narmada has been brutally exploited, and that is what had led to the need for a Narmada Seva Yatra. He added that if we do not protect and nurture our rivers, mankind will be the loser.

The Prime Minister said that the Narmada Seva Yatra of nearly 150 days, is extraordinary, even by global standards. Noting that the River Narmada does not emerge from snows, but from trees, the Prime Minister said the Madhya Pradesh Government's big tree plantation programme will also be a great service to humanity.

On behalf of the people and the farmers of Gujarat and Maharashtra, who benefit from the Narmada, the Prime Minister thanked the people and the Government of Madhya Pradesh, for the Narmada Seva Yatra.

The Prime Minister complimented the Madhya Pradesh Government for the State's performance in the Swachh Bharat Mission, where out of the 100 top ranked cities, 22 are from Madhya Pradesh.

The Prime Minister described the document of the Narmada Seva Mission, presented by the State Government, as futuristic, with an appropriate vision for protecting natural resources.

The Prime Minister said the Union Government has resolved to double farmer incomes, and Madhya Pradesh has prepared a good vision document in this regard. He urged people to resolve to make a positive contribution to the nation by 2022, the 75th anniversary of independence.

The Prime Minister thanked Swami Avdheshananda for his words of praise and appreciation.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister exhorted the people to be ready to make a contribution and sacrifice for the River Narmada, saying that while the Yatra may have ended, the Yagya has just begun.

***
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being welcomed by the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on his arrival, at Jabalpur Airport, Madhya Pradesh on May 15, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being welcomed by the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on his arrival, at Jabalpur Airport, Madhya Pradesh on May 15, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Narmada Temple & Udgam Sthal, in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh on May 15, 2017. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Narmada Temple & Udgam Sthal, in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh on May 15, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Narmada Temple & Udgam Sthal, in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh on May 15, 2017. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Narmada Temple & Udgam Sthal, in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh on May 15, 2017. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Narmada Temple & Udgam Sthal, in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh on May 15, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi performing Dhwaj Sthapana & Kalash Pujan, at the concluding ceremony of the Narmada Sewa Yatra & launching of Narmada Sewa Mission, in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh on May 15, 2017. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi performing Dhwaj Sthapana & Kalash Pujan, at the concluding ceremony of the Narmada Sewa Yatra & launching of Narmada Sewa Mission, in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh on May 15, 2017. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi performing Dhwaj Sthapana & Kalash Pujan, at the concluding ceremony of the Narmada Sewa Yatra & launching of Narmada Sewa Mission, in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh on May 15, 2017. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi performing Dhwaj Sthapana & Kalash Pujan, at the concluding ceremony of the Narmada Sewa Yatra & launching of Narmada Sewa Mission, in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh on May 15, 2017. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the concluding ceremony of the Narmada Sewa Yatra & launching of Narmada Sewa Mission, in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh on May 15, 2017. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the concluding ceremony of the Narmada Sewa Yatra & launching of Narmada Sewa Mission, in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh on May 15, 2017. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing at the concluding ceremony of the Narmada Sewa Yatra & launching of Narmada Sewa Mission, in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh on May 15, 2017. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing at the concluding ceremony of the Narmada Sewa Yatra & launching of Narmada Sewa Mission, in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh on May 15, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing at the concluding ceremony of the Narmada Sewa Yatra & launching of Narmada Sewa Mission, in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh on May 15, 2017.

 

[Kedardel]

How have things improved at the grass root level? Or the things remain same despite the hype and projects?

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
16-May, 2017 16:35 IST
Clarification on status of Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation Yojana (SAUNI) Project

A section of the media has incorrectly reported that Central Water Commission (CWC), External Assistance Directorate has rejected Gujarat Government request for funds for Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation Yojana (SAUNI) on technical grounds, questioning the feasibility of the project.


It is clarified that the report is incorrect. The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has conveyed its 'in-principle' approval of SAUNI-II Project to the Department of Economic Affairs, Government of India in October, 2016.

The facts are as follows:

As a standing procedure, all major and medium irrigation projects are required to undergo technical evaluation by CWC and that States should submit a compliance report on the observations of CWC. This is a continuous, consultative process, which is taken both at the Preliminary Project Report (PPR) and Detailed Project Report (DPR) stages.

In the case of SAUNI-II Project, CWC had made certain observations on the Preliminary Project Report submitted by Gujarat Government. The State Government has since submitted a detailed compliance report and the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has recommended SAUNI-II Project to the Department of Economic Affairs, Government of India, for obtaining external assistance.

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
19-May, 2017 11:10 IST
PM reviews progress of the Namaami Gange Programme


The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on Thursday evening, reviewed the progress of the Namaami Gange programme.

During the course of a presentation on the subject, senior officials from various Government departments apprised the Prime Minister of action taken so far, and progress made on this programme.

Officials said that the Sewage Treatment Capacity in towns along the river is being enhanced substantially. Considerable focus is being placed on large cities along the Ganga main stem, including Haridwar, Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna, Bhagalpur, Howrah and Kolkata.

Intensive monitoring and inspection of Grossly Polluting Industries has been taken up. Officials said that this has led to considerable improvement in the water quality of some of the tributaries of the River Ganga. Parameters such as “Dissolved Oxygen” and “Biochemical Oxygen Demand” have been studied as part of this assessment.

The Prime Minister was also apprised of the considerable progress made in Rural Sanitation in villages along the banks of the River Ganga. The Prime Minister stressed on the need to further increase public awareness and participation in the task of cleaning the River Ganga.

Top officials from the PMO, NITI Aayog, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, National Mission for Clean Ganga and Central Pollution Control Board were present at the meeting.

***

 

[Hindustani78]

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi reviews the progress of the Namaami Gange programme, in New Delhi on May 18, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
19-May, 2017 15:32 IST
Chitale Committee recommends several measures for Desiltation of Ganga

Chitale committee on Desiltation of Ganga has recommended a slew of measures which include study of reach wise sediment transport processes along with establishing annual sediment budgets to guide de-silting activities, Preparation of annual reports (Sand registry) describing the previous de-silting/ dredging activity and a technical institute may be entrusted to conduct the sediment budget, morphological and flood routing studies that would examine and confirm the necessity of the de-silting of the reach under consideration.


The committee was constituted in July 2016 by the Ministry of Water Resources River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation to prepare guidelines for desiltation of river Ganga from Bhimgauda (Uttarakhand) to Farakka (West Bengal). Shri Madhav Chitale (Expert Member, NGRBA) was appointed as Chairman of the committee. The other members of the committee were: Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change and Dr. Mukesh Sinha, Director, Central Water and Power Research Station, Pune. The committee was asked to establish difference between desilting and sand mining and also to establish need for desilting for ecology and e-flow of the river Ganga.


The committee in its report says erosion, sediment transport and siltation are very complex phenomena. It is impossible to apply a “one-size-fits-all‟ approach to sediment management and control, because the issues involved are frequently very regionally-specific. Local factors such as topography, river control structures, soil and water conservation measures, tree cover, and riparian land-use or land disturbance (for example agriculture, mining, etc.) can have a large impact on sediment loads in rivers. River control structures (such as reservoirs), soil conservation measures and sediment control programmes can cause downstream sediment loads to decrease, while factors such as land disturbance (clearing of vegetation, for example) or agricultural practices can cause increased sediment loads. At the same time, indiscriminate de-siltation works may result into more harm to ecology and environment flow. Thus, there is a need to evolve Guidelines, better broad principles, which should be kept in mind while planning and implementing de-silting works.


According to the report erosion, sediment transport and siltation in large rivers like Ganga are very complex phenomena and their estimation has inherent limitations and uncertainties. A reconnaissance of Main River Ganga on Google earth map reveal that different reaches are in a dynamic equilibrium phase. Sedimentation is mainly seen downstream of Bhimgauda barrage and near the confluences of tributary rivers with Ganga. The discharge congestion, large scale sediment deposition and its negative effects are mainly seen downstream of the confluence of Ghagra and beyond. The river flood plain drastically widens beyond the confluence of Ghagra and is estimated to be around 12 to 15 kms.


The committee says though de-siltation works can improve hydraulic performance of the river and this itself can justify undertaking de-siltation, these have no direct role in improving environment flow in the river. On the other hand, indiscriminate de-silting or sand mining would cause adverse impacts on river e-flow. Recognizing the importance of sediment transport in rivers, following basic principles of siltation in rivers should be kept in mind while considering de-siltation works:


· Catchment Area Treatment and Watershed Development works, along with good agricultural practices and river bank protection/anti-erosion works, are necessary to reduce silt inflow into the river system and must be undertaken in a comprehensive way.


· Erosion, movement and deposition of sediment are natural regulating functions of river and Sediment equilibrium of river should be maintained.


· Rivers should be provided with sufficient flood plains (lateral connectivity) without any hindrance to the flow.


· Instead of “keeping the silt away”, strategy to “giving the silt way” should be adopted.


In specific reference to de-siltation works in river Ganga, in addition to MoEF&CC Sand Mining Guidelines, which are statutory in nature, and the GSI Guidelines, the committee has suggested following Guidelines;


1. River Ganga tends to achieve equilibrium on its own given the hydrology, sediment and natural bed and bank disposition. It is necessary to provide the river sufficient areas of flood plain and lakes along the river to moderate the flood level. Any encroachment of flood plain, reclamation of lakes or disconnection of lakes from river should be avoided; rather adjoining lakes/depressions may be de-silted to increase their storage capacities. The de-silting of lakes, etc., should be in such a manner that the sediment continuity is maintained and should not lead to head cut that creates safety issues for the river crossings, water intakes or river training works locally, downstream or upstream.


2. Upstream reaches of natural constriction works, like barrages/bridges, etc., tend to get silted leading to wandering of river. Possibly river training, cut-off developments and provision of extra water way near the constrictions could be tried after proper assessment without impacting the morphology of river elsewhere. The area freed from the development in the form of oxbow lakes should be used for flood moderation rather than reclaiming it for other purposes.


3. In case where constriction is causing large scale siltation, de-siltation along the preselected channel to deepen and attract the flow could be tried to guide the main course of flow. The dredged material may be dumped along the alternate channel which was to be closed to avoid bank erosion. Care shall be taken to develop stable channel which do not affect the flow either on upstream or downstream. Efforts should be made to provide silt continuity along the weirs and barrages.


4. Embankments, spurs and river training measures provided to protect the banks should not encroach upon the flood plains and delink the lakes, flood plains and other riverine environment from the river.


5. The proposed de-silting of any river reach need to be justified bringing out clearly the flooding caused due to siltation along with technical comparisons of the alternative flood mitigation measures with “do nothing” or “proposed de-silting/ dredging” being other options. It should invariably be associated with sediment flux studies and morphological studies to confirm no significant adverse effect on downstream or upstream reach of the river including the safety and effectiveness of river crossings, water intakes, existing river bank / flood protection measures etc.


6. De-silting of the confluence points, especially with huge silt carrying tributaries, such as Ghagra, Sone, etc., may be necessary to make confluence hydraulically efficient.


7. Reservoirs in main river Ganga and its tributaries, particularly in upper reaches, should be operated in such a manner that first floods, having high silt load, are allowed to pass through without storage and river flows in later phases of the monsoon are only stored for use during non-monsoon season. This would require quantitative long term forecast with decision support system to be established for optimum reservoir operations.


8. Agricultural practices along the river flood plains should be such that it does not disturb the passage of flood by increasing the resistance to flow causing aggradations.


9. River morphological studies should be carried out to initiate in-stream channel improvement works. It shall be ensured that the head cut induced upstream should automatically de-silt the reach. The headcut induced should progress upstream slowly so that the flora and fauna will have sufficient time to re-adjust its habitat.


10. The proposal should also contain environmentally acceptable and practically feasible silt disposal plan. River gravels/sands/silts could be used gainfully in construction works, including housing, roads, embankment and reclamation works. Under no circumstances, disposal should create any contamination of the water bodies, harmful to the flora and fauna existing adjacent to the disposal sites. It should also be ensured that disposed material should not come back into the river again.


11. In view of specific issues being raised about siltation in front of the Farakka Barrage, it is suggested that the shoals formed may be de-silted/dredged by taking care of the river training works around it. The sediment removed may be used for re-grading the Farakka Feeder Canal or may be used for strengthening the existing embankments around the barrage pond. Sediment sluicing may be incorporated to maintain sediment continuity from upstream to downstream reaches after carrying out necessary studies. The de-silting / dredging works of the barrage pond shall not cause any structural problem to the barrage by excessive erosion on the downstream. In view of this the dredging shall be restricted only up to original bed level or higher.


12. Feasibility of introducing an arrangement need to be studied to pass the incoming sediment safely to downstream of the dams/ barrage structures to maintain the sediment equilibrium. It shall also be ensured that the concentrated sediment flux passed downstream will not create any major morphological changes on the downstream reaches.


13. Any bridges across River Ganga which are causing large afflux (more than 1% of normal depth) should be modified to reduce the afflux, which in turn will also reduce the sediment deposition and erosion of banks on the upstream.


14. The dredging/de-siltation/mining activities may result into some adverse impacts, i.e., (a) River bed degradation; (b) Bank erosion; (c) Channel widening; (d) lowering of water surface elevations in the river channel; (e) lowering of water table elevations adjacent to the river; (f) a reduction in the structural integrity of bridges, pipelines, jetties, barrages, weirs, foundations supporting high tension lines, existing bank protection works and other manmade structures; and (g) a loss of environmental values resulting from (a) through (e). Restrictions as presented in Appendix IV of this Report need to be enforced before planning and executing any dredging/ de-silting / mining activities. These restrictions may be modified only after proper study and monitoring the effects of dredging / de-silting / mining.


15. The Ganga Flood Control Commission, a sub-ordinate office of Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and secretariat and executive wing of Ganga Flood Control Board, headed by Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation with the Chief Ministers of Ganga river basin States and Member, NITI Ayog (erstwhile Planning Commission) may be entrusted with additional mandate to carry out necessary studies with regard to sediment management in river Ganga and incorporate sediment management strategies in their comprehensive plans prepared for all sub-basins of river Ganga. These integrated plans could serve as base documents for Central, State and District Level Authorities for considering proposals for environment clearances for works related to river Ganga.

 

[tw00tw00]

http://www.reuters.com/article/india-ganges-idUSKBN1780ZC

EXCLUSIVE - India's Ganges clean-up in a shambles, Modi intervenes
By Tommy Wilkes and Aditya Kalra | NEW DELHI/KANPUR, India

Fri Apr 7, 2017 | 3:55pm EDT

NEW DELHI/KANPUR, India's $3 billion plan to clean the holy Ganges river is badly behind schedule with large stretches contaminated by toxic waste and sewage, forcing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene, according to government officials and documents seen by Reuters.

Much of the money allocated to the project, a flagship initiative for Modi's Hindu nationalist government, remains unspent, say officials from the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), a government body overseeing the project.

In one slide of a presentation to a top Modi aide in late January, NMCG officials marked almost the entire length of the river within three big circles to highlight "pollution in river Ganga".

A 2018 deadline to clean the river is "impossible", one NMCG official said. "If we want to meet the 2018 deadline, we should have commissioned plants to treat half the sewage already," he said, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the record.

Over three-quarters of the sewage generated in the towns and cities of India's crowded northern plains flows untreated into the 2,525-km (1,570-mile) Ganges, according to the presentation, which has not been made public.

State administrations have struggled to find land for new treatment plants, while complex tendering processes have put bidders off pitching for new clean-up projects, officials said.

The Ganges is worshipped by Hindus, who make up about 80 percent of India's 1.3 billion people. They call it Ganga Mata, or mother Ganga, and believe a dip in the river absolves a lifetime of sins. Hindus also cremate the bodies of their loved ones on its banks and strew the ashes in the river.

Recognising that the clean-up mission is in a shambles, Modi has decided to take personal control, a senior NMCG official said. The clean-up drive is important as Modi wants to show tangible improvement before the next election in 2019.

His principal secretary, Nripendra Misra, has met NMCG officials almost monthly since November, demanding to see updates on the project's progress, the NMCG official said. Misra did not respond to messages and calls seeking comment.

Modi, voted to power in 2014, committed $3.06 billion for the clean-up in the five years to 2020 but the January presentation showed just $205 million had been spent between April 2015 and March 2017.

India's water resources minister, Uma Bharti, who is responsible for overseeing the clean-up and announced the 2018 deadline, did not respond to requests for comment.

"I have lost hope," said Rakesh Jaiswal, head of a small Ganges-focused environmental group in the industrial city of Kanpur since 1993. "There has been nothing on the ground."

SEWAGE, POLLUTION

India's top environmental court in February ruled "not a single drop of the Ganga has been cleaned so far", accusing the government of wasting public money.

The river stretches from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal and is a water source for 400 million people. But it is also the destination for waste produced by 760 industrial units described by the NMCG as "grossly polluting".

In addition, the NMCG presentation showed, about 4,800 million litres of sewage from 118 towns and cities flows into the Ganges every day. The functioning capacity to treat sewage is 1,017 million litres per day (MLD).

According to official data, the Modi administration has cleared the construction of plants to treat an additional 933 MLD, and the rehabilitation of existing plants with a capacity to clean an additional 1,091 MLD.

Of these, plants treating less than 160 MLD have been completed, but it is unclear if they have started operations.

The problems are striking in Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh state: toxic pollution from tanneries operating in the industrial city flows down slum-lined open sewers into the Ganges.

Of the 456 tanneries in the state that back onto the river, most of them in Kanpur, authorities have shut down just 14, according to the government presentation.

The government has also lagged on the simpler tasks of cleaning the ghats, the riverside steps where devotees assemble to bathe, and the sites on the banks where bodies are cremated.

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
22-May, 2017 19:59 IST
PM inaugurates Pumping Station at Bhachau; Narmada Waters released for Tappar dam


The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated a Pumping Station at Bhachau. This will enable release of Narmada Waters for the Tappar dam.

Addressing a large public meeting on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that today's inauguration will make every Kutchi proud. He mentioned the importance of conserving water, and added that in Kutch, people understood this quite well. He said that successive State Governments in Gujarat had placed emphasis on water conservation. Now, he said, with the Narmada waters arriving, the region would witness a transformation.

The Prime Minister also noted that Bhuj would get a modern bus port, like other cities in Gujarat. He said the focus is only on development and positive work which takes the State to new heights.

***

 

[Hindustani78]

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the inauguration of pumping station for releasing Narmada waters into Tappar Dam, in Bhachau, Gujarat on May 22, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the inauguration of pumping station for releasing Narmada waters into Tappar Dam, in Bhachau, Gujarat on May 22, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the inauguration of pumping station for releasing Narmada waters into Tappar Dam, in Bhachau, Gujarat on May 22, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the inauguration of pumping station for releasing Narmada waters into Tappar Dam, in Bhachau, Gujarat on May 22, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani, the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Nitinbhai Patel and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the inauguration of pumping station for releasing Narmada waters into Tappar Dam, in Bhachau, Gujarat on May 22, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the inauguration of pumping station for releasing Narmada waters into Tappar Dam, in Bhachau, Gujarat on May 22, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the inauguration of pumping station for releasing Narmada waters into Tappar Dam, in Bhachau, Gujarat on May 22, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi unveiling the plaque to mark the inauguration of pumping station for releasing Narmada waters into Tappar Dam, in Bhachau, Gujarat on May 22, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani, the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Nitinbhai Patel and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi unveiling the plaque to mark the inauguration of Bhuj Bus Station, in Bhachau, Gujarat on May 22, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani, the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Nitinbhai Patel and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi releasing Narmada waters into Tappar Dam from newly inaugurated pumping station, in Bhachau, Gujarat on May 22, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani, the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Nitinbhai Patel and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the Public Meeting after inauguration of pumping station for releasing Narmada waters into Tappar Dam, in Bhachau, Gujarat on May 22, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the Public Meeting after inauguration of pumping station for releasing Narmada waters into Tappar Dam, in Bhachau, Gujarat on May 22, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the Public Meeting after inauguration of pumping station for releasing Narmada waters into Tappar Dam, in Bhachau, Gujarat on May 22, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the Public Meeting after inauguration of pumping station for releasing Narmada waters into Tappar Dam, in Bhachau, Gujarat on May 22, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the Public Meeting after inauguration of pumping station for releasing Narmada waters into Tappar Dam, in Bhachau, Gujarat on May 22, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi departing from Bhuj in Kutch District for Ahmedabad, Gujarat on May 22, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani and the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Nitinbhai Patel is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi departing from Bhuj in Kutch District for Ahmedabad, Gujarat on May 22, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
26-May, 2017 17:23 IST
Uma Bharti begins Ganga Nirikshan Abhiyan

Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti today visited Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute located at Barrackpore, West Bengal during the first leg of her Ganga Nirikshan Abhiyan. This institution is specialized in Fisheries Research on river Ganga. During her fortnight long tour the Minister will visit several places from Ganga Sagar to Gangotri along the river Ganga to personally monitor the progress of Namami Gange programme. During the 2500 km long tour the Minister will pass through Kakdweep, Kapilmuni Ashram (Ganga Sagar), Nabadweep, Murshidabad, Farraka, Sultanganj (Bhaglpur), Munger, Patna, Arrah , Buxar, Varanasi, Allahabad, Shringverpur, Fatehpur, Kanpur, Fatehgarh, Kasganj, Narrora, Bhrigu Ashram, Brijghat, Vidhurkuti, Haridwar and Uttarkashi to reach Gangotri.


The Minister will travel through Boat, Road, Rail, Air and on foot. During the Ganga Nirikshan Abhiyan Water Resources Minister will attend Ganga Chaupal at Cossipore ghat, Kapilmuni Ashram (Ganga Sagar), Gandhi ghat (Barrackpore), Diamond Harbour, Hooghly, Nabadweep, Murshidabad, Sultanganj (Bhaglpur), Munger, Arrah, Buxar, Shringverpur, Allahabad, Fatehgarh, Bhrigu Ashram, Fatehpur, Kanpur, Kasganj, Brijghat and Gangotri. In these Chaupals the Minister will interact with various stakeholders such as NGOs, Government agencies, other institutions and individuals to make Namami Gange programme a success.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Sushri Uma Bharti visiting the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, at Barrackpore, West Bengal on May 26, 2017.

The Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Sushri Uma Bharti inspected Ghats on Hooghly river, in Kolkata on May 26, 2017.