(a) whether the Government proposes to introduce National River Policy for Protection of River
Water Resource in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
(a) whether the Government proposes to introduce National River Policy for Protection of River
Water Resource in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)
(a) to (c) The Central Government has constituted the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) in
February, 2009 as an empowered authority for conservation of the river Ganga by adopting a holistic approach.
Conservation of rivers is an ongoing and collective effort of the Central and State Governments. This Ministry
is supplementing the efforts of the State Governments for abatement of pollution in rivers through the National
River Conservation Plan (NRCP) which presently covers polluted stretches of 39 rivers in 185 towns spread in
20 States. Pollution abatement schemes undertaken include interception, diversion and treatment of sewage;
low cost sanitation works; etc. An expenditure of Rs.4729 crore has been incurred and sewage treatment capacity
of 4417 million litres per day (mld) has been created so far under the Plan.
Creation of infrastructure for sewage management and disposal is also being undertaken through other central
schemes, such as Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission and Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for
Small and Medium Towns, as well as under state schemes.