16th Meeting of Empowered Task Force on Ganga Rejuvenation Conducted by Union Minister for Jal Shakti C.R. Paatil
Giving a significant boost to the revitalization efforts of the River Ganga, the 16th meeting of the Empowered Task Force (ETF) took place today, chaired by Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Paatil. The Minister underscored that the conservation of the Ganga transcends environmental concerns, intertwining with India’s cultural heritage and serving as a vital resource for millions. The meeting gathered key stakeholders from various ministries and state governments to discuss ongoing initiatives and future strategies for the river’s rejuvenation.
Key Stakeholders Unite for Ganga’s Rejuvenation
The meeting convened a diverse group of stakeholders, including senior officials from the Department of Water Resources and the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). Notable attendees included Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, and Shri Rajeev Kumar Mital, Director General of NMCG. The presence of representatives from various states, such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, highlighted the collaborative approach necessary for the Ganga’s restoration. The Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress made, noting that nearly 80% of the issues addressed in the past year have been resolved, laying a solid foundation for future initiatives.
Wetlands and Pollution Control Efforts
A significant focus of the meeting was the status of wetlands in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Assessments revealed 282 wetlands in Uttar Pradesh and 387 in Bihar, with 59 identified as high priority for legal protection. The Minister urged both states to expedite notifications for these wetlands, emphasizing their crucial role in flood control, groundwater recharge, and biodiversity conservation. Additionally, the meeting reviewed pollution abatement efforts in Uttar Pradesh, where larger cities have developed sewage treatment capacities. However, the Minister called for increased attention to smaller urban areas, directing the state government to prioritize sanitation plans under the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0.
Reviving Sacred Rivers and Strengthening Regulations
The meeting also addressed the rejuvenation of smaller rivers, particularly the Niranjana (Falgu) River, which has dried up over time. The Minister highlighted the importance of this river, associated with Lord Buddha, and called for community awareness and sustainable practices to restore it. He urged the Bihar government to support the “Namami Niranjana Campaign,” emphasizing that reviving the river is essential for cultural heritage. Furthermore, discussions included strengthening the regulatory framework for floodplain demarcation, with a focus on implementing technical guidelines from the Central Water Commission.
Research and Future Directions
In a significant development, the Minister reviewed a project report on the ecological impacts of sand mining in large rivers, prepared by IIT Kanpur. This report offers a comprehensive analysis and mitigation strategies for the challenges posed by sand mining, utilizing advanced remote sensing data. The findings are expected to inform policy frameworks aimed at regulating sand mining activities in India’s rivers. Concluding the meeting, the Minister called for coordinated efforts among all states and departments, reiterating the Ganga’s importance as a cultural and ecological lifeline. He emphasized the need for timely action to achieve the goal of making the Ganga “Aviral and Nirmal.”
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