(a) whether Ganga Actin Plan is running far behind its scheduled targets and has failed to achieve its aims and objectives;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) the funds allocation made by the Government for the purpose and the funds actually utilized/spent so far on the plan; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to overcome the hurdles indicating the time by which the Plan is likely to be completed?
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS (SHRI T. R. BAALU)
(a) to (d) The Ganga Action Plan has been taken up in two phases. The Ganga Action Plan Phase I was launched in 1985 with the objective of preventing the pollution of river Ganga and to improve its water quality along 25 towns. The Plan was completed on 31.03.2000. Against a target capacity of 873 million litres per day planned for treatment of waste water, a capacity to treat 835 million litres per day has been created. Out of an approved cost of Rs. 462.04 crore, an amount of Rs. 451.70 crore has been spent on that Plan. The implementation of the programme was mainly delayed due to encroachments, delay in land acquisition, litigation and contractual problems.
The Ganga Action Plan Phase II that covers Ganga and its tributaries viz., Yamuna, Gomati and Damodar was approved in phases between 1993 and 1996 and is under implementation. Under this Plan, against a target capacity of 1860 million litres per day for treatment of waste water, a capacity to treat 724 million litres per day has been created so far. Out of an approved cost of Rs. 1498.86 crore, an amount of about Rs. 618 crore has been spent so far. The concerned State Governments have been advised to take necessary action to overcome hurdles. However, prior acquisition of land has been made a pre-requisite before sanctioning of projects to avoid delay. The Ganga Action Plan Phase II is targeted to be completed by December, 2005