Question : NATIONAL GANGA RIVER BASIN AUTHORITY

(a) whether the Union Government proposes to convert National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) into a National Commission in the recent meeting of NGRBA and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Union Government has consulted the States falling in Basin and if so, the reactions of such States;

(c) whether the States have requested the Union Government to pay special attention to the development of towns and villages on the banks of Ganga and for single window clearance of proposals, if so, the action taken thereon;

(d) whether the Government proposes to provide any tax relief to donations made for rejuvenation of the Ganga and if so, the Details thereof; and

(e) whether the Government proposes to engage PSUs and Corporate Houses in Ganga rejuvenation project and if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION

(PROF.SANWAR LAL JAT)

(a) & (b) No, Madam. In the recent meeting of the NGRBA no such proposal was considered.

(c) The Union Government is already paying special attention for development of 118 towns and 1649 villages along the banks of river Ganga. So far as single window clearance is concerned, all the proposals considered for funding under NGRBA are appraised by Empowered Steering Committee (ESC) wherein all states are represented.

(d) Clean Ganga Fund has been set up by the Government of India to receive donations for conservation of the River Ganga. Donations made by resident individuals would be eligible for income tax exemption as per Finance Bill 2015 tabled before the Parliament during the budget session.

(e) Relevant stakeholders will be involved in Namami Gange programme as per the requirement after following appropriate procedures and applicable rules.