(a) whether the existence of ancient rivers in the country is in jeopardy;
(b) if so, whether the Government has any action plan and policy to rejuvenate the aforesaid rivers, if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the number of rivers in the country whose rejuvenation can mitigate the shortage of water in different States, if so, the State-wise details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI & SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
(SHRI RATTAN LAL KATARIA)
(a) to (c) The Government of India has taken a number of initiatives for river development and rejuvenation. Rejuvenation of river Ganga and its tributaries is undertaken by Ministry of Jal Shakti under National Mission for Clean Ganga. Under the Namami Gange Programme, launched in May, 2015 diverse set of coordinated activities meant for cleaning of river Ganga and its tributaries have been taken up. These include treatment of municipal sewage, treatment of industrial effluents, drain bio-remediation, river surface cleaning, rural sanitation, river front development, ghats and crematoria development, afforestation & biodiversity conservation, public outreach programme etc. So far, under Namami Gange Programme, a total of 298 projects have been sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs.28,451.29 crore. Out of the 298 projects, 150 projects have been sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs.23,130.95 crore towards sewerage treatment infrastructure projects for cleaning of river Ganga and its tributaries.
Under Namami Gange programme, cleaning of tributaries is also being considered and accordingly projects are being taken up on subsidiary tributaries of Ganga, wherever required. Till date 39 sewerage treatment infrastructure projects have been taken up in 27 towns located along tributaries namely Yamuna, Kali, Ramganga, Saryu, Gomti, Damodar, Banka, Rispana, Kharkai, Kosi and Burhi Gandak.
Various pollution abatement works have also been undertaken on the identified polluted stretches of rivers (excluding Ganga and its tributaries) under the Centrally sponsored Scheme of National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) on cost sharing basis between the Central Government and respective State Governments.
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