PM chairs meeting of National Ganga River Basin Authority

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
31-May, 2017 17:38 IST
Uma Bharti Extends Full Support to West Bengal Government on Namami Gange Programme

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti has said that trash skimmers will be deployed soon in West Bengal for solid management. Addressing a meeting of the senior officials of her Ministry and Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) at Farakka, West Bengal today, the Minister reiterated the commitment of the central government to clean Ganga and said that Ganga basin States will be given appropriate funds to ensure that target is achieved. Sushri Bharti assured her full support to West Bengal government on the issue of Ganga erosion. She announced that fish ladders, which aid fish in their migration upstream to spawn, would be installed in the Farakka Barrage. Issues such as silt management, tourism potential of the area that could generate employment and ensuring adequate water flow to promote inland waterways in the State were also discussed in the meeting.

The Union Water Resources Minister, who is on 2500 km. Ganga Nirikshan Abhiyan has concluded the first leg of her Abhiyan in West Bengal. During her tour in the State the Minister took part in Ganga Arti at Vaishnav ghat in Kolkata where she urged the gathering to participate selflessly in Ganga cleaning as people’s participation is indispensable in the task.

On the second day of the Abhiyan, the Minister inspected Ghat cleaning works in Kakdweep at Ganga Sagar. She also interacted with local government officials, local dwellers and other stakeholders during the inspection. Ganga Chaupals were organised at two locations on 27th May - Ganga Sagar and Diamond Harbour. On both the occasions the Minister interacted with local communities and heard their concerns. She assured people that adequate arrangements for toilets will be made at Ganga Sagar.

Sushri Bharti addressed people and officials at Kon Nagar in Hoogly during the Ganga Chaupal. Apart from informing the people about various ongoing and planned schemes and projects under Namami Gange programme, she requested them to contribute in keeping Ganga clean by refraining from polluting it. A similar interactive programme was organised in Nabdweep in Ganga Sagar.

The Minister will start the second leg of the Abhiyan from Sultanganj, Bhagalpur tomorrow.

*****

The Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Sushri Uma Bharti at a meeting on Namami Gange with the senior officials of her Ministry and Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, at Farakka, West Bengal on May 31, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
01-June, 2017 18:09 IST
Water Resources Ministry to Set up a Committee to Look into the De-Silting of Ganga Says Uma Bharti

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharati has said that a committee is being set up in her ministry to look into the issues of de-silting and mining in river ganga in Bihar that hampers the flow of the river . Addressing a Ganga Chaupal in Sultanganj, Bihar today as part of her ongoing ‘Ganga Nirikshan Abhiyan’ which entered Bihar on its sixth day today the Minister said that a sewage treatment plant will be constructed at Sultanganj. She talked about various initiatives on biodiversity and restoration of aqua- life being undertaken by National Mission for Clean Ganga. Sushri Bharti said that under Namami Gange Programme, afforestation and plantation activities are being carried out at the banks of river Ganga to avoid soil-erosion and dumping of sewage and industrial waste into the river.

The Minister said that Namami Gange team has been working tirelessly on creation of Sewage Treatment Plants to create adequate sewage treatment capacities besides projects to make towns and villages along river Ganga Open Defecation Free. She added that while existing ghats in the State will be renovated, new ones will also be constructed. Rest rooms will be built on ghats for devotees.

After her address at Sultanganj, the Minister conducted another interactive session at Munger. Here the Minister talked about the association with Forestry Departments, CIFRI, Wildlife Institute of India and NEERI to work on various aspects related to river Ganga.

Samir/JD/jk

 

[Hindustani78]

S L Ganga being floated in the river Ganga during the flagging off ceremony of Inspection-Cum Survey Vessels of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Union Ministry of Shipping, for Jal Marg Vikas Project, at Garden Reach in Kolkata.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation
03-June, 2017 15:30 IST
MDWS adopts 2 Ganga Grams in collaboration with Faith Organisations

Today, in an event organised in Uttarakhand at village Veerpur Khurd on the bank of River Ganga, Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar commissioned two Ganga Grams in the presence of various faith leaders led by Swami Chidanand Saraswati, co-founder of GIWA (Global Interfaith WASH Alliance). Two villages in the bank of River Ganga, Veerpur Khurd in Dehradun and Mala in Pauri Garhwal have been taken by the Ministry to make them model Ganga villages, in collaboration with GIWA.

The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, in collaboration with State governments, has the mandate to make villages on the bank of River Ganga open Defecation free (ODF). 4270 villages of 4515 Ganga villages have been declared ODF. These two villages, Mala and Veerpur Khurd have also been declared ODF.

Now, with the help of various stakeholders, these two villages will be provided with solid and liquid waste management facilities, drainage systems, ground water recharge, modern crematoria in coordination with various Ministries involved. Growing of Medicinal herbs and shrubs will also be promoted in these two villages.

Speaking on this occasion, Shri Tomar said clean water is essential for life and cleanliness is essential for well being of people. He commended the role of women in achieving ODF status. He also assured commitment of the central government for this cause.

Shri Tomar also inaugurated a bio toilet in the village.

Later, speaking at the Swachh Uttarakhand, Swachh Bharat Summit, organised by GIWA, he lauded the contribution of spiritual leaders in taking forward the swachhta movement and other social causes. He said all religions working together have great potential to influence behaviour change including toilet usage.

On this occasion, Swami Chidanand Saraswati reiterated GIWA's commitment to make these two villages Ganga Grams with the cooperation of all ministries, departments, NMCG and other stakeholders. All faith-leaders assembled in summit expressed their dedication towards swachhta.

*****

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
05-June, 2017 18:18 IST
Committee of Secretaries to be set up soon to tackle The issue of Groundwater Depletion: says Uma Bharti

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharati has urged people to plant more trees while addressing the ‘critical’ issue of groundwater depletion. The Minister was speaking during a ‘Ganga Chaupal’ at Narora in Uttar Pradesh today on the occasion of ‘World Environment Day’. Sushri Bhrati asked the people to plant trees like Palash and Ashoka that contributes in recharging groundwater. “You sow sacred plants and trees like Tulsi, Pipal and Neem in India. I would urge you to grow indigenous plants like Palash and Ashoka as well as they help in raising groundwater levels, an issue that has come as a huge challenge in India and which can be resolved in an economic and eco-friendly manner without spending crores of rupees,” she added while addressing the gathering.

She said a committee would be formed soon comprising Rural Development Secretary, Water Resource Secretary and Environment Secretary to tackle the issue of groundwater depletion. The Minister also asked people to refrain from using plastic/polythene bags to reduce pollution. “The use of plastic material is a major cause of pollution to river Ganga and should be stopped,” she said.

Sushri Bhrati said that she wants to start a Jan Andolan where she would require retired senior citizens, students, youngsters, and house wives to volunteer in conserving water, adopt rain water harvesting and to keep the ghats clean. “Mass participation is the key to development and change,” she said.

The Minister is currently on a three week Ganga Nirikshan Abhiyan from Gangasagar to Gangotri to personally monitor the progress of Namami Gange programme. The Minister has reached Narora in UP and will proceed to Haridwar today via Bhrigu Ashram and Najibabad.

Total replenishable groundwater resource in the Ganga basin is 170.99 billion cubic metres (BCM). Ganga basin alone accounts for nearly 40 % of the country’s total replenishable groundwater resource of the country which is 433 BCM. Net ground water availability is 398 BCM. The annual groundwater draft (a reasonable release of discharge) is 245 BCM (as on 31st March 2017) and out of total 6607 assessed units (blocks, mandals, districts) as many as 1071 units are ‘over-exploited’, 217 units are ‘critical’, 697 units are ‘semi-critical’ and 4530 are ‘safe’. Apart from these, there are 92 assessment units which were found to be completely saline.

*****

Ministry of Water Resources
05-June, 2017 13:17 IST
NMCG Approves Projects Worth Rupee 1900 cr Hundred Percent Sewage Treatment for Haridwar, Rishikesh, Vrindavan, Varanasi, Allahabad and Delhi

Giving another major push to Namai Gange programme National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved projects worth Rs 1,900 crore for the creation of sewage treatment infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and UT of Delhi. With approval of these projects hundred percent sewage treatment facility will be made available for Haridwar, Rishikesh, Vrindavan, Varanasi, Allahabad and NCT of Delhi. These projects were approved in the third meeting of the Executive Committee of NMCG held in New Delhi last month.

A comprehensive project of interception, diversion and treatment of sewage in Naini, Phaphamau and Jhunsi sewerage zones of Allahabad at an estimated cost of Rs 767.59 crore has been approved. Apart from construction of a 42 MLD (million litres per day) Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Naini, the project also encompasses building up of eight sewage pumping stations among other works. None of the three zones have any sewerage schemes or any sanctioned STPs as yet. These approved projects along with the existing ones would take care of sewage management of the core city of Allahabad bounded by rivers Ganga and Yamuna. The projects would also arrest flowing waste water of 18 drains into the rivers to ensure pollution free water for bathing at Sangam during Ardh Kumbh mela 2019. With approval of these projects 100% sewage treatment capacity can be achieved in Allahabad.

Three projects of sewage treatment infrastructure were approved for Pahari sewage zone in Patna city of Bihar including construction of a 60 MLD STP and laying of sewerage lines at an estimated cost of about Rs 744 crore. With these approvals, Patna will now have a sewage treatment capacity of 200 MLD.

In the National Capital Territory of Delhi, construction of as many as seven prioritized STPs of total capacity of 94 MLD in Najafgarh area have been approved at an estimated cost of Rs 344.81 crore under ‘Maily Se Nirmal Yamuna’ project that was initiated on the directions of National Green Tribunal (NGT). Najafgarh drain contributes around 70 per cent of the total discharge of the city into river Yamuna that includes a lot of untreated sewage. The locations where STPs have been approved are Tajpur Khurd (36 MLD), Jaffarpur Kalan (12 MLD), Khera Dabar (5 MLD), Hasanpur (12 MLD), Kakraula (12 MLD), Kair (5 MLD) and Tikri Kalan (12 MLD). With this, all planned projects in Delhi have been approved.

On afforestation front, an all-encompassing programme in five Ganga main stem States – Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal – at an estimated cost of Rs 61.5 crore has also been given a go-ahead. This would include sapling preparations in nurseries, soil work, plantation and care.

With this, NMCG has given go-ahead to projects worth more than Rs 4,100 crore during the last three months in the States of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and NCT of Delhi.

It may be recalled that Union Minister for Water Resources, River development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti is currently on a three week Ganga Nirikshan Abhiyan from Gangasagar to Gangotri to personally monitor the progress of Namami Gange programme. The Minister has reached Narora in UP and will proceed to Haridwar today via Bhrigu Ashram and Najibabad.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
06-June, 2017 17:35 IST
Booklet to Promote Medicinal Plantation in Villages along Ganga Released

In a bid to promote medicinal plantation in villages identified as Ganga Grams, a meeting was organised by National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB) in New Delhi today during which a booklet of guidelines titled – ‘Home Herbal Garden’ was jointly released by DG, NMCG, Shri UP Singh and Deputy CEO, National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Smt. Padampriya Balakrishnan.

NMPB in a presentation on ‘Medicinal Plants and its Role in Rejuvenation of Ganga and Ganga Catchment Areas’ highlighted the plans and programmes for villages, benefits of medicinal plants, selection of plants, the modality of taking up the programme in villages identified for Ganga Grams and the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Gram Panchayats. As part of the programme, NMPB would be developing herbal gardens in identified Ganga Gram villages.

It may be recalled that Ganga Gram initiative was taken under Namami Gange programme last year to promote rural sanitation in villages located on the banks of river Ganga with an aim to reduce the pollution load on the river from these villages.

Speaking on the occasion DG, NMCG, Shri UP Singh said “It is a very good initiative that NMPB is taking up in Ganga Grams. I would urge all people from different villages who have come here today to translate the programme in their own villages.”

Officials and representatives from Panchayati Raj Institutions, State Programme Management Group (SPMG), State Medicinal Plant Board (SMPB), Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Rural Development and Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare were also present on the occasion.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
10-June, 2017 15:56 IST
Uma Bharti Urges Spritual Institutions to Come Forward for the Success of Namami Gange Programme

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharati has appealed to spiritual institutions and organisations to join Namami Gange programme in spreading awareness about keeping the ghats clean. The Minister was addressing a gathering of stakeholders at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh yesterday as her ongoing Ganga Nirikshan Abhiyan entered into its last leg in Uttarakhand. Swami Chidanand , a spiritual leader was also present at the gathering.

Sharing her experience of the tour so far, the Minister said “Our river Ganga has a very rich aquatic life right from Ganga Sagar up to Haridwar. This directly reflects the good quality of water in the river.” She also informed the gathering about the work that has been done so far under Namami Gange programme.

Reiterating that without people’s participation, the task at hand cannot be achieved, Sushri Bharati urged the people to refrain from all practices that pollute Ganga like washing clothes by the banks of the river and dumping solid/liquid waste. During the programme, thousands of people pledged to keep river Ganga Nirmal and Aviral.

Sushri Uma Bharti set out for Ganga Nirikshan Abhiyan on May 26,2017 from Ganga Sagar in West Bengal. Since then she has tirelessly travelled more than 2,000 kilometers addressing thousands of people during Ganga Chaupals,meeting officials and interacting with other stakeholders.

Samir/suman
(Release ID :165550)

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
13-June, 2017 15:43 IST
Meeting on Draft Ganga Bill Held

The committee constituted to review the provisions of the draft National River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Bill, 2017 held its meeting in New Delhi today. The meeting held under the chairmanship of Director General, NMCG Shri UP Singh discussed various aspects of the Bill specially the preamble, definitions and some others chapters. Shri Sanjay Kundu, Joint Secretary (PP) of the Union Water Resources Ministry, Shri Purushaindra Kaurav, Advocate General, Madhya Pradesh and Shri Arun Kumar Gupta, Advocate, Allahabad High Court attended the meeting. This committee has been constituted by the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation to examine the salient features of the draft National River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Bill, 2017.


The bill addresses the critical issues pertaining to River Ganga on its cleanliness (Nirmalta) and un-interrupted e-flow (Aviralta) and provides corresponding penalty provisions thereof. The committee also recognized the enormous challenges being faced to maintain the wholesomeness of the River perpetuated due to over stressed water demand from agricultural, domestic and industrial sectors.

It may be recalled that for the first time such legislation is being attempted in the country which has been necessitated by the huge pressures to preserve and protect River Ganga. The Bill also captures various judgments on the River Ganga including Supreme Court, various High Courts and the National Green Tribunal. The Bill is proposed to be developed as a model bill to preserve, conserve and manage different rivers and it would likely to be the role model for development of other rivers of the Country.

Ministry of Water of Resources River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation constituted a committee under Chairmanship of Justice Giridhar Malviya in July 2016 for the preparation of Draft Act on National River Ganga for ensuring wholesomeness and Cleanliness (Nirmalta) and un-interrupted flow (Aviralta). The committee submitted the Draft National River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Bill, 2017 to the Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti on April 12, 2017.



Samir/JD

Men relaxing after applying mud on their bodies to cool themselves off on a hot summer morning on the banks of the river Ganges in Allahabad.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
19-June, 2017 16:37 IST
Team of officials from Water Resources Ministry and Uttar Pradesh to discuss the issue of Kanpur Tanneries

Ganga Act Bill will be introduced soon in Parliament

Two hundred Engineering students enrolled for Bio Technical Study of Ganga

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti has said that a team of senior officials from her Ministry and the Government of UP will take up the issue of shifting of Kanpur tanneries. Addressing a press conference about three year’s achievements of her Ministry in New Delhi today the Minister expressed the hope the officials of Water Resources Minsitry and UP will meet sometimes next week to discuss this issue.

On draft Ganga Act Sushri Bharti said that her Ministry is in discussion with various stake holders before a final view is taken. She said the exercise will be over very soon and the bill to this effect will be introduced in the Parliament. Sushri Bharti informed the media that report on e-flow of river Ganga has also been received by the Ministry and is being studied. The Minister said that a uniform e-flow level will be prescribed for all the rivers of the country. Referring to Pancheshwar project, Water Resources Minister said this project has a huge tourism potential which will be exploited to rehabilitate the project oustees. With reference to Majuli island project of Assam, Sushri Bharti said it will be taken up with extensive public participation. She also referred to the demand of de-silting of Ganga by Bihar Chief Minister and said that Secretary Water Resources has recently made a presentation on the issue to the Chief Minister of Bihar and expressed the hope that the problem will be solved very soon. On Mahanadi controversy, Sushri Bharti said “We love Odisha and West Bengal both. We are sensitive to their problems but also expect their cooperation”.

The Minister announced that two hundred engineering students from the colleges along the river Ganga have been enrolled for extensive bio technical study of river Ganga from Gangotri to Ganga Sagar. Sushri Bharti said each group of two students accompanied by volunteers from Nehru Yuva Kendra and Ganga Vichar Manch will extensively study a stretch of about 25 km each. These reports are likely to be available by September- October 2017. These students will also interact with the local residents to study the social impact of river Ganga on their life.

Earlier Dr. Amarjeet Singh, Secretary, Water Resources gave a brief power point presentation.

 

[Hindustani78]

In March 2017, the Uttarakhand high court bestowed living entity status on the Ganga and the Yamuna and made the state government the legal guardian. The state government has now challenged the high court’s order in the Supreme Court.(HT PHOTO)

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...tity-status/story-9QXgAu5nACW1IKpEEN5XxO.html

The BJP government in Uttarakhand has moved the Supreme Court to relieve it of the duty of being the legal guardian of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers.

Challenging a three-month-old verdict of the Uttarakhand High Court declaring the Ganga and Yamuna living entities, bestowing on them same legal rights as a person, the state government contended that the verdict as “unsustainable in the law” and had various legal repercussions.

The plea asked that in case of human casualties in a flood, can the affected people file suit for damages against the Chief Secretary of the State and as to whether State Government would be liable to bear such financial burden.

The March 20 landmark judgment of the high court had allowed the director general of Namami Gange project, Uttarakhand chief secretary and advocate general the right to represent the Ganga in a view to help in efforts to clean the polluted rivers.

The Namami Gange is the Narendra Modi’s government’s ambitious plan that brings together various efforts for cleaning and conserving the river.

The petition also pointed out that high court erred in not considering that Ganga and Yamuna are inter-state rivers and these rivers flows in other different states.

The state government asked what would be the role of its chief secretary, who has been declared by the high court as loco parentis (local guardian) to the rivers, if there arises any dispute in respect any kind of different illegalities being committed in other states.

“As per the provisions under item no. 56 of the union list of the 7th Schedule (Article 246) of the Constitution, it is the sole constituent right of the Union Government to frame out the rule for efficacious management of all the inter-state rivers,” the petition said.

Terming the verdict as “unsustainable in the law”, the Uttarakhand government contended that the high court went beyond its jurisdiction in passing the verdict, as no pleadings or prayer was made before the court to declare the rivers as living entities.

It argued that the issue before the high court was only with regard to removal of encroachments from the Shakti Canal on the Yamuna in Dehradun district.

“There is no dispute that river Ganga and Yamuna and other tributaries in India are having social impacts, and they support and assist both the life and natural resources and health and well being of the entire community,” the Uttarakhand government petition said adding, “Thus only to protect the faith of the society river Ganga and Yamuna cannot be declared as legal person”.

The Ganga is the holiest Hindu river and also among the dirtiest in the world. The Yamuna is its largest tributary and originates from Yamunotri in Uttarakhand.

The high court order ended the reign of New Zealand’s Whanganui River as the only one in the world to be granted living entity status.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi arrives at ceremony to inaugurate Aji-3 Dam under Phase-I of Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) Yojana, in Rajkot, Gujarat on June 29, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi arrives at ceremony to inaugurate Aji-3 Dam under Phase-I of Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) Yojana, in Rajkot, Gujarat on June 29, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani and the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Nitinbhai Patel are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being given a presentation on Aji-3 Dam under Phase-I of Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) Yojana, in Rajkot, Gujarat on June 29, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani and the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Nitinbhai Patel are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being given a presentation on Aji-3 Dam under Phase-I of Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) Yojana, in Rajkot, Gujarat on June 29, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani and the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Nitinbhai Patel are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being given a presentation on Aji-3 Dam under Phase-I of Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) Yojana, in Rajkot, Gujarat on June 29, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani and the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Nitinbhai Patel are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi performs ‘Poojan’ on the inauguration of Aji-3 Dam under Phase-I of Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) Yojana, in Rajkot, Gujarat on June 29, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi performs ‘Poojan’ on the inauguration of Aji-3 Dam under Phase-I of Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) Yojana, in Rajkot, Gujarat on June 29, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani and the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Nitinbhai Patel are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi performs ‘Poojan’ on the inauguration of Aji-3 Dam under Phase-I of Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) Yojana, in Rajkot, Gujarat on June 29, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani and the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Nitinbhai Patel are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi performs ‘Poojan’ on the inauguration of Aji-3 Dam under Phase-I of Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) Yojana, in Rajkot, Gujarat on June 29, 2017. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani and the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Nitinbhai Patel are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
14-July, 2017 15:49 IST
Ministry of Water Resources to Sign MoU with Ministry of Skill Development for the success of Namami Gange

Union Ministry for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation will sign an MoU with Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship for the success of Namami Gange programme in New Delhi tomorrow.

The MoU intends to develop skilled manpower for laying sewerage pipeline, plumbing works, construction of toilets, civil masonry works, waste collection and its disposal activities. It will also develop skills for preparing products from pious waste materials like flowers, leaves, coconuts, hair and associate plastic bags and plastic bottles etc. and their proper packaging and promotion of such products. The MoU will also help in developing skills for operation and maintenance of pumps and STPs.

As per the MoU the Ministry of Water Resource, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation shall develop the market for reuse/recycle of treated wastewater to be released from STP/ETPs for various non-potable purposes. It will also ensure necessary coordination and support from the state governments and state level implementing agencies for various activities to be undertaken by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship as part of Namami Gange programme. The Ministry will also mobilize resources for creation of Pradhan Mantri Namami Gange Kaushal Kendras in 60 districts covered under Namami Gange Mission.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship will take initiative and develop programme for capacity building and traditional activities such as packaging and promotion of industrial products. It will take initiative in developing skills for preparing products from waste material generated along that Ghats of Ganga like flowers, leaves, coconut, hair and associated plastic bags and plastic bottles etc. The Ministry will also take initiative in developing skills among potential work-force in the region on sewage pipe line laying works, plumbing works, construction of toilets, civil masonry works, waste collection and its disposal activities (in scientific manner) and training on other health and safety aspects during construction activities. It will also take initiative in conducting a survey in the region for identifying the possible skill development activities in addition to above in conjunction with National Mission for Clean Ganga.

The MoU will remain in effect for a period of three years. Thereafter, it can be extended as mutually agreed by both the Ministries.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Shipping
18-July, 2017 14:22 IST
Commercial Transport Scheme in Ganga River

The Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) is being implemented with the technical and investment support of the World Bank to strengthen the navigation capacity and promote transportation of cargo and passengers on National Waterway-1, on the Haldia-Varanasi stretch of Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly River System,.


The project has been appraised by the Public Investment Board, at an estimated cost of Rs. 5,369.18 crore, and is scheduled to be completed by 2021-22. The project includes construction of multimodal terminals at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Sahibganj in Jharkhand and Haldia in West Bengal, and a new navigational lock at Farakka in West Bengal.


This information was given by Minster of State for Shipping and Road Transport and Highways, Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.



*****

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
20-July, 2017 16:14 IST
Progress Under Namami Gange Mission

In Namami Gange project total number of 155 projects for various activities such as sewage infrastructure, river front development, ghat and crematoria, ghat cleaning, rural sanitation etc. has been sanctioned. Out of 155 projects 39 numbers of projects have been completed so far.



Cleaning of river Ganga is being carried out through various activities including treatment of municipal sewage, treatment of industrial effluent, river surface cleaning, rural sanitation, afforestation and biodiversity etc. The municipal sewage being generated in cities on the banks of Ganga is being managed by a mix of Interception & Diversion projects, sewerage network and sewage treatment plant (STP) projects.



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



State

Stretch

Identified Length of Stretch (Km)

BOD range/ max value (mg/l)

Uttarakhand

Haridwar to Sultanpur Adampur

10

4.2-5.8

Uttar Pradesh

Kannauj to Varanasi

450

3.8-16.9

Bihar

Buxar to Bhagalpur

40

7.8-27

West Bengal

Tribeni to Diamond Harbour

50

3.1-5.8



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



The detailed status of break-up of funds spent/released to the states from Financial Year 2014-15 to 2017-18 till 30.06.2017 are given below.

Rs. in crores

States

2014-15

2015-16

2016-17

2017-18

Grand Total

Bihar



120.23

82.03

0.20

202.46

Jharkhand

0.97

27.83

46.18

2.47

77.45

UP

74.58

147.58

587.17

38.22

847.55

Uttarakhand

4.26

30.26

30.66

16.26

81.44

West Bengal

73.85

185.79

114.25

0.11

374.00

Haryana


30.00

52.73

0.00

82.73

Delhi



4.96

2.17

2.66

9.79


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


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Ministry of Water Resources
20-July, 2017 16:14 IST
Ravi-Beas River Water Dispute

Ravi & Beas Waters Tribunal was constituted in 1986 for verification of the quantum of usage of water claimed by Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan regarding their shares in remaining waters. The Tribunal forwarded a report in January, 1987. The States of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan and Central Government made references to the tribunal seeking clarification/ guidance on certain points of the report under the provisions of the Inter-State River Water Disputes (ISRWD) Act, 1956. The matter is subjudice before Tribunal.

Meanwhile, the State of Punjab. enacted the Punjab Termination of-Agreements Act, 2004 (PTAA) on 12.07.2004 terminating and discharging the Government of Punjab from its obligations under the agreement dated 31.12.1981 and all other agreements relating to waters of Ravi-Beas. A Presidential Reference in the matter was filed by Union of India on July 22, 2004 seeking the opinion of the Hon'ble Supreme Court on Constitutional validity of the PTAA 2004. The Hon'ble Supreme Court has given its opinion on the Presidential Reference on 10.11.2016 and held that the Punjab Act cannot be said to be in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of India. Further, the matter pertaining to enforcement of decree regarding construction of Sutlej Yamuna link (SYL) canal is under consideration of the Hon'ble Supreme Court.

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

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Ministry of Water Resources
20-July, 2017 16:13 IST
Ken-Betwa River Link Project



The Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of Writ Petition (Civil) No. 512 of 2002 “In Re: Networking of Rivers” along with Writ Petition (Civil) No. 668 of 2002 ordered that the Ken-Betwa River Link Project be taken up for implementation in the first instance.


On the basis of Memorandum of Understanding signed between the States of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh dated 25.8.2005, Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of KBLP Phase-I & II have been prepared and shared with the concerned States of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The Project has already received the following mandatory clearances:



1. Techno-economic clearance has been accorded by the Advisory Committee on Irrigation, Flood Control & Multipurpose Projects of Ministry of Water Resources, RD & GR in its meeting held on 8th July, 2016.

2. The MoEF&CC issued wildlife clearance on 21st September, 2016.

3. Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of MoEF&CC considered environment clearance in its first meeting held on 30th December, 2016 and recommended the project for grant of environmental clearance.

4. On the basis of recommendations of the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC), Central Government has granted the approval of Stage-I Forest Clearance for KBLP Phase-I vide MoEF&CC letter dated 25th May, 2017.

5. Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has examined the case and accorded the clearance vide their letter dated 4th January, 2017.

6. The project proposal of KBLP has been recommended by the Investment Clearance Committee of the Ministry in its 5th meeting held on 10th February, 2017 and the same has been considered acceptable for investment in the State Plan with an estimated cost of Rs. 18057.08 crore at Price Level 2015-16.



The KBLP will provide irrigation to an area of 6,35,661 ha annually (3,69,881 ha in MP and 2,65,780 ha in UP) in the Chhattarpur, Tikamgarh and Panna districts of Madhya Pradesh and Mahoba, Banda, Lalitpur and Jhansi districts of Uttar Pradesh. In addition, the project will provide 49 million cubic meter (MCM) of water for enroute drinking water supply to population of 13.42 lakh of UP & MP. The project will also generate 78 MW of power. The total construction period of the Project is about 8 years. A Draft Cabinet Note for implementation has been circulated on 30th May, 2017 to concerned Ministries/Departments for their comments/views.



This Project was reviewed at a high level and it was decided that Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) should be taken up for implementation through an SPV consisting of NHPC and representatives of Governments of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.


The status of the Project was further reviewed at a high level on 04.07.2017 with Chief Secretary, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh and Principal Secretary, Irrigation Department, Uttar Pradesh. The Government of Madhya Pradesh has proposed that Kotha Barrage, Bina Complex and Lower Orr Dam be also included in the Project. Their status is as under:



Project

Status

Lower Orr

DPR of lower Orr Dam submitted to CWC for appraisal on 4th July, 2017 – Under examination in CWC

Bina Complex

DPR is under appraisal in CWC. The compliance to the CWC observations is yet to be submitted by GoMP.

Kotha Barrage

DPR of Kotha Barrage has been submitted to CWC for appraisal, in March, 2017 – Under examination in CWC.

Left out areas in phase 1

The proposal is being prepared and will be submitted to CWC for appraisal by 31.7.2017.



This would also affect the initial allocation of water between the two States as per the 2005 agreement. It was therefore, decided that both the State Governments should work out an agreement on mutual water sharing to take KBLP forward. The implementation of KBLP would be taken up once the two States have reached an agreement on water sharing.



No area of land turned barren due to lack of irrigation in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh during period has been reported to the Ministry.



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


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Ministry of Water Resources
20-July, 2017 16:13 IST
Ganga Action Plan

A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation with officials of Government of Uttar Pradesh and others to discuss the issue of shifting of tanneries from Jajmau, Kanpur. A Task Force has been constituted under chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Environment, Uttar Pradesh. The first meeting of the Task Force was held on 06-07-2017.

At present total 155 projects costing Rs. 12423.63 crore have been sanctioned, out of which 39 projects have been completed.

Projects for cleaning Ganga are divided under three type of activities i.e. short term, medium term and long term activities. Efforts are made to complete short and medium term activities by the year 2020.

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

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Ministry of Water Resources
20-July, 2017 16:14 IST
Expenditure on Namami Gange Programme

An amount of Rs. 4,321.05 crore has been released by the Government of India to National Mission for Clean Ganga from 2011-12 to 2016-17, out of which Rs. 2,291.29 crore have been utilized till March, 2017.

In May 2017, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) published a report titled “Benthic Macro Invertebrates of River Ganga” in which a study was conducted to find invertebrates in Ganges. The study area cover in the aforementioned study is throughout the River length i.e. from Gangotri to Howrah. There are a large number of invertebrates including worms which are integral part of the river ecosystem. Some examples of the macro invertebrates reported in Varanasi are Baetis, Sinictinogomphus, Orthetrum albistylum speciosum, Sympetrum sp., Zyxomma, Tholymis etc.

Various Interception & Diversion (I&D) and Sewer Network projects are sanctioned by NMCG to stop mixing of polluted water in River Ganga and are at various stages of implementation.

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

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
21-July, 2017 20:46 IST
Forecast for Rapid Rise in Water Levels of Rivers in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat

Rainfall Forecast issued by India Meteorological Department for the next three days indicate that Heavy to Very Heavy rainfall at a few places with isolated extremely heavy falls in Gujarat and Rajasthan during the period 21st to 24th July 2017.


Due to this rivers Chambal and its tributaries, Mahi, Sabarmati, Banas (West Flowing River) are likely to receive significant water flows in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat.


The likely impact of these rains as inferred from rainfall runoff model run for three days advisory forecast is likely rapid rise in the river levels in the following basins as under:


Chambal Basin in districts of Indore, Ujjain, Ratlam, Mandsaur and Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh, Kota and Jhalawar districts in Rajasthan.


Mahi Basin: River Mahi and its tributaries in districts of Jhabua, Dhar, Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh, Udaipur, Dungarpur and Banswara districts in Rajasthan and Panchmahal, Mahisagar and Kheda districts of Gujarat are likely to observe rapid rise in water levels. Inflows into Mahi Bajaj Sagar in Banswara district of Rajasthan are likely to raise the level in the reservoir. However as sufficient storage is still available, there may not be any likelihood of release from Mahi Bajaj Sagar. In the case of Som Kamla Amba Dam in Dungarpur district of Rajasthan, presently the dam is filled upto 54% of its gross capacity as on 21st July 2017. With likely rainfall in the next three days, there is a chance for this reservoir to rise very near its full capacity. Hence, release if any is to be undertaken may be decided judiciously taking into consideration the downstream condition and rainfall. In case of Kadana Dam in Mahisagar district of Gujarat which is 62% full as on 21st July 2017, there is a chance of reservoir getting very close to its full level. Sufficient care may please be taken while releasing water ensuring the safety of downstream reaches taking into consideration the rainfall and other hydrological characteristics.



Sabarmati Basin: River Sabarmati and its tributaries in districts of Udaipur, Sirohi, Pali and Dungarpur in Rajasthan, Sabarkantha, Mehsana, Ahmadabad, Gandhinagar and Kheda districts of Gujarat are likely to observe rapid rise in water levels. Dharoi dam in Mehsana district of Gujarat is having storage of 32% of its capacity as on 21st July 2017 and is having sufficient storage to fill up. Hence release if any may be done judiciously taking into account rainfall conditions in the downstream reaches.


Banas Basin: River Banas and its tributaries are likely to rise rapidly in the districts of Udaipur and Sirohi in Rajasthan and in Banaskanta district of Gujarat. Dantiwada dam on river Banas in Banaskanta district of Gujarat is having storage of only 17% as on 221st July 2017. This will significantly rise due to the rains during the next 3 days.


There is likelihood of heavy rain in Kutch areas of Gujarat and in Morvi, Rajkot, Bhavnagar and Jamnagar districts of Saurashtra and Kutch also. Since most of the dams in these areas such as Machchhu-I and II, Und etc are very near their full levels, very strict vigil may please be maintained for the safety of the structure as well as downstream areas in association with the rainfall likely to occur during the next three days.


The rainfall in Jhalawar, Pali, Chittorgarh districts of Rajasthan may also see increase in water levels of many of the tributaries of Chambal.