(a) the details of rivers covered under Namami Gange Mission so far;
(b) whether the Government plans to include certain small rivers of the country converging in Ganga under Namami Gange Mission in near future and if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the manner in which the said initiative is likely to help in the development and rejuvenation of such Rivers?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION
(SHRI VIJAY GOEL)
(a) & (b) The aim of the Namami Gange programme is to ensure effective abatement of pollution and conservation of the river Ganga by adopting a holistic approach with the river basin as the unit of planning. The definition of River Ganga includes its tributaries. However, as a first priority pollution abatement works have been taken up in certain critical tributaries like Yamuna, Ramganga, Kali and Hindon besides main stem of Ganga.
(c) The various types of pollution abatement schemes taken up under Namami Gange are categorized into core and non-core schemes. Core Schemes include Interception and diversion (I&D) of sewage discharging into the Ganga River and creating treatment infrastructure to treat the intercepted sewage. Non-Core Schemes include providing Low Cost Sanitation (LCS) at community and individual levels at identified locations, Installation of Crematoria (electric as well as wood based improved crematoria), River Front Development (RFD) including bathing ghats, Afforestation, protecting bio-diversity and creating Public awareness and participation. The initiatives will help improve both, the quality of the water as also the quantity.
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