Question : GODAVARI ACTION PLAN



(a) whether work on “Godavari Action Plan” for the forthcoming “Kumbh Mela” has started at Nasik in Maharashtra;

(b) if so, the details alongwith the contribution made by the Union Government in this project; and

(c) the time by which the said project is likely to be completed?

Answer given by the minister

MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI T.R. BAALU)

(a) to (c) A scheme of pollution abatement of river Godavari, which is known as the Godavari Action Plan, is being implemented in three towns of Maharashtra namely, Nasik, Trimbakeshwar and Nanded. The action plan was approved by Government in July 1995 under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP). The approved cost of works in these towns is Rs. 95.03 crore. Out of this amount, the cost of works for Nasik and Trimabakeshwar towns is Rs. 80.53 crore. Under the plan in Nasik and Trimabakeshwar, sewage shall be intercepted and diverted for treatment in three sewage treatment plants of 78 million litres per day, 22 million litres per day and 1 million litres per day capacities. The scheme also includes other works such as construction of 36 units of low cost toilets, river front development of 8 ghats, 9 units of improved wood crematoria, renovation of 4 ponds, afforestation and public participation & public awareness. The Government has released an amount of Rs. 41.60 crore so far.

The project at Nasik and Trimabakeshwar are targeted for completion by March 2003, before the commencement of ensuing Kumbh Mela.