Modi calls for time-bound action to stop Ganga pollution

"Ganga ko ganda na karen," the PM said while addressing a high-level meeting on the ‘Namaami Gange’ project.

Modi reiterated that the ‘Namaami Gange’ vision should focus primarily on two main areas to check pollution at the source- urban sewage and industrial effluents.

The PM  was briefed extensively on critical hotspots along the stretch of the river, which generate the most pollution. The existing gaps in sewage treatment capacity were highlighted.

A total of 764 grossly polluting industrial units have been identified along the stretch of the Ganga. Tanneries, pulp and paper and sugar industries account for over three-fourth of this number.

The PM also emphasized the need to promote recycling of industrial waste water. He said industrial units should be motivated suitably to stop pollution, failing which action should be initiated within the framework of existing laws.

Modi also called for exploring the possibility of setting up modern, environment-friendly crematoria along the River Ganga, through private initiative and enterprise.

The meeting approved the concept of a network of volunteers to help end pollution of the river – ‘Ganga Vahini’. Steps are being taken to operationalize this network. 118 Urban Local Bodies have been identified to be covered within five years, in a targeted attempt to control pollution.

The meeting was attended by Union Ministers  Venkaiah Naidu, Nitin Gadkari,Uma Bharati and Prakash Javdekar, among others.