New Delhi, Mar 30 (PTI) Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil on Monday chaired the 18th meeting of the Empowered Task Force on Ganga rejuvenation and reviewed progress under the National Mission for Clean Ganga, deliberating on key policy, infrastructure and coordination issues to further accelerate the Namami Gange Programme.
The meeting assessed implementation of the river rejuvenation efforts in FY 2025-26, with Patil expressing satisfaction over the progress achieved.
He was informed that 524 projects have been sanctioned so far, of which 355 have been completed. Additionally, 17 Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) have been commissioned across Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal this financial year.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders from various ministries and state governments, including senior officials from the departments of water resources and drinking water and sanitation, along with representatives of the ministries of power, housing and urban affairs, and home affairs.
Key developments in sewerage infrastructure across states were highlighted, with discussions focusing on expeditious submission of detailed project reports and improved inter-agency coordination.
Patil directed the states to expedite pending works and ensure seamless implementation of pollution abatement projects to achieve tangible improvements in river water quality.
Emphasis was also laid on policy reforms, particularly the safe reuse of treated wastewater.
It was noted that Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh have made significant progress by notifying their policies aligned with the national framework after cabinet approval, while Bihar and West Bengal are in advanced stages of finalisation. Patil stressed promoting reuse as a key strategy for sustainable water management.
The Empowered Task Force also reviewed initiatives related to aquifer mapping, wetland conservation and aerial drainage mapping, highlighting their role in strengthening scientific planning and integrated river basin management.
Progress on the identification and conservation of high-priority wetlands in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar was also discussed.
Among the key initiatives highlighted were the inauguration of the Ganga Aqualife Conservation Monitoring Centre, success stories in small river rejuvenation across states, and technical workshops on glaciers and sludge management, along with public outreach programmes.
The minister lauded the commissioning of multiple STPs as a crucial step in reducing pollution in the Ganga and its tributaries, and appreciated the ongoing ghat cleanliness drives contributing to cleaner riverfronts.
A presentation by the Uttarakhand government on preparations for the Kumbh 2027 was also showcased, focusing on infrastructure readiness, sanitation arrangements and river conservation measures to ensure a clean and sustainable event.
Concluding the meeting, Patil emphasised sustained coordination among central ministries, state governments and implementing agencies, reiterating that rejuvenation of the Ganga is a collective responsibility requiring timely action, technological innovation and community participation. PTI ADI RUK RUK
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