Question : Ganga Task Force

(a) whether the Government has decided to raise a Ganga Task Force for monitoring pollution through ex-servicemen living along the river Ganga;
(b) if so, the details and the current status thereof and the expected timeframe by which the force is likely to begin functioning;
(c) the operational details of the force such as the criteria for selection, scale of remuneration, area of functioning etc; and
(d) the allocation and utilisation of funds made for creation of the force during the current year, State-wise?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION
(DR.SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)

(a) Yes, Madam. Raising of 4 Battalions of Composite Eco Task force named as Ganga Task Force has been approved in principle by Ministry of Defence vide letter dated 12th December 2014. Ganga Task Force has also been kept as an activity under Public Participation component in the Cabinet approval of Namami Gange program. In principle approval of MoWR, RD & GR for raising of one battalion (ex-servicemen) for NMCG has been sent to the MoD on 3rd March 2016. MoD has submitted a proposal vide letter dated 22nd April 2016.
(b) One regular battalion of Territorial Army has reported in Allahabad in July 2015. Ganga Task Force is being trained for i) plantation of trees on the banks of river Ganga, ii) strengthening of pollution monitoring mechanism on ground, iii) management of public awareness and participation programmes, and (iv) monitoring of Ghats for the ongoing works. They have participated in various consultative /discussion meetings. Participation in awareness and plantation activities at selected towns has also been carried out.
(c) As informed by MOD, the organization structure proposed for raising of four CETF Battalions (TA) for NMCG is based on the existing model of Ecological Task Force Battalions (TA). The details are as below:

(i) Criteria for Selection: Apart from the nucleus staff comprising of Regular & Territorial Army personnel, recruitment is proposed to be carried out from the pension holders, and medical category SHAPE-1 Ex-servicemen (Regular Army and Territorial Army) only, on an all India basis.
(ii) The terms and conditions: The terms and conditions of service of personnel recruited in the proposed CETF Battalions (TA) will be governed by the provisions laid down in Territorial Army Act and Territorial Army Regulations 1948, (Revised 1976).
(iii) Age Limit: There is no minimum age for recruitment. However, the Ex-servicemen would serve upto maximum 55 years of age only.
(iv) Remuneration: The remuneration of the personnel will be commensurate to the rank held by the individuals and as applicable to Armed Forces personnel.
(v) Area of Functioning: The locations for proposed four CETF Battalions (TA) for NMCG, will be earmarked by NMCG in consultation with Ministry of Defence and Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Army),

(d) Allocation of Rs. 40 Crore has been made in demand- for- grant for the FY 2016-17 by NMCG. However, Letter of Commitment has been issued to Ministry of Defence for one Battalion for amount Rs.25.28 Cr as an expenditure for one year of the battalion on 8th July 2015.

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