Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Patil chaired the 15th meeting of the Empowered Task Force (ETF) on Ganga Conservation, reaffirming the government’s commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable Ganga through a technology-driven, integrated approach. The Minister reviewed progress made by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and appreciated the improved pace of project implementation driven by enhanced stakeholder coordination.
He highlighted significant strides in financial management within NMCG, including the reduction in pending Utilization Certificates, resolution of taxation issues, and successful adoption of the Treasury Single Account system. He also welcomed the use of insurance surety bonds as an alternative to traditional bank guarantees, aiming to reduce financial pressure on contractors and fast-track project delivery.
In efforts to sustain river rejuvenation, Shri Patil reviewed two protocols aimed at ensuring zero untreated sewage discharge and maintaining I&D structures. He stressed the importance of involving District Ganga Committees and directed continuous monitoring to preserve Namami Gange achievements.
The Union Minister also emphasized safety in STP operations, mandating third-party audits by institutions like IIT BHU and IIT Delhi, and praised the effectiveness of NMCG’s tech-based monitoring systems.
Two new initiatives were launched during the meeting:
- Riverathon 1.0: A national hackathon with Amity University, focusing on LiDAR-based floodplain mapping, biodiversity, disaster management, and more.
- Ecological Status and Trends Booklets: Published for eight rivers—Ramganga, Gomti, Kosi, Damodar, Yamuna, Ghaghra, Gandak, and Sone—developed with the Wildlife Institute of India.
The meeting brought together key officials from Ministries of Power, Tourism, Urban Affairs, Environment and Forests, and state governments from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, reinforcing inter-state collaboration for Ganga conservation.
Source: PIB
