Ganga Rejuvenation Plan to be launched from Uttarakhand: Uma Bharti

DEHRADUN: Union Minister Uma Bharti today announced that the Ganga Rejuvenation Plan will be launched from Uttarakhand where the mighty river originates and said the mission can be achieved only through concerted efforts of the Centre and the state government.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat presented to her a proposal worth Rs 9478 crore for several projects to be undertaken as part of the mission.

On a two-day visit to the state, Bharti, who held a meeting here with central and state government officials on conservation of the Ganga, said the mission can be achieved only through close coordination between the state and the Centre.

It will be launched from Uttarakhand, the Minister said, according to an official relese.

Noting that the process of rejuvenation of the Ganga has already been set in motion, she said an institution was recently entrusted with the task of water testing at 15-20 points beyond Gomukh (where the river originates).

Bharti said the mission for a clean and relentlessly flowing Ganga should be taken up on a PPP basis with the involvement of local civic bodies.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, the Chief Minister said the road to a clean Ganga passes through Uttarakhand.

Therefore, the state government has submitted a proposal worth Rs 9478 crore to the Minister for works related to Ganga Rejuvenation Plan, he said.

Rawat said the works included setting up of sewerage treatment infrastructure, measures for solid waste management, construction of community toilets, mobile toilets and individual toilets.

The Chief Minister said he has made it clear to the Union Minister that he has no issues with the cleanliness or relentless flow of the Ganga and the state government will offer all cooperation to the Centre regarding the mission. However, he said the Centre will have to ensure that mission does not suffer for want of funds.