Question : NATIONAL RIVER CONSERVATION PLAN

(a) the criteria laid down for covering the rivers under National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) alongwith the details of the proposals received from various State Governments for inclusion of new rivers under NRCP during the last three years, year-wise, State-wise;

(b) the main objectives of the said plan alongwith the details of funds allocated to various States under the NRCP during the last three years, State-wise;

(c) whether several rivers are not getting benefit from the said plan;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)

(a) & (b) National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) presently covers 40 rivers in 190 towns spread over 20 states.The objective of the Plan is to ameliorate the water quality through implementation of various pollution abatement schemes which include interception and diversion of raw sewage, setting up of sewage treatment plants, creation of low cost sanitation facilities, setting up of electric/improved wood crematoria and river front development. Details of proposals received from the States for inclusion of new rivers for pollution abatement during the last three years are at Annexure-I and funds released during this period under the Plan is at Annexure-II.

(c) to (e) Conservation of rivers is an ongoing and collective effort of the Central and State Governments and this Ministry is supplementing the efforts of the State Governments in pollution abatement of rivers through NRCP. Inclusion of new rivers/towns in the Plan is a continuous process based upon, prioritized proposals received from the States, funds available under the Plan, degree of pollution etc.