Clean Ganga: Stretch in Jharkhand to be a priority

NEW DELHI: Government is likely to take up cleaning and rejuvenation of Ganga in Jharkhand as a “priority stretch“ since the total length passing through the stretch is shorter than the other four states - Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar and Uttarakhand.This has been decided as undertaking this task would be easier to fast track and develop as a model.

The decision was taken at meeting early this month that was chaired by the PM. It was also decided that special purpose vehicles (SPVs) should be set up for successful implementation of the plans and programmes. Sources said following the PM's last meeting, a group of ministers had a detailed deliberation on the action plan on Wednesday under chairmanship of urban development minister Venkaiah Naidu.

A spokesperson for the urban development ministry said the ministry has proposed to set up a SPV for setting up and maintenance of sewage treatment plants in all the 118 cities and towns located along Ganga in a time-bound manner to check pollution. Sources said that the drinking water and sanitation ministry has suggested holding a conference of chief ministers of five states at PM's level to give a push to the ambitious programme since progress in rural sanitation scheme is not satisfactory , particularly in Bihar.