New projects worth Rs 638 crore approved under Namami Gange

NEW DELHI: Eight projects worth around Rs 638 crore were approved in the 48th meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) held under the chairmanship of Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) G. Asok Kumar. In an attempt to clean River Hindon, which is a tributary of River Yamuna, four projects worth Rs 407.39 crore were approved for pollution abatement in the Shamli district. These projects are part of the comprehensive Hindon Rejuvenation Plan. Hindon river is identified as Priority I polluted river stretch. The projects which were sanctioned are to prevent the flow of polluted water into Krishni River. Krishni is one of the major tributaries of Hindon which discharges pollution from Shamli district into River Hindon.

As part of preparations for the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, in 2025, one project for development of seven ghats in Prayagraj was also approved in the EC meeting. The ghats include Dashashmedh Ghat, Quila Ghat, Naukayan Ghat, Gyan Ganga Ashram Ghat, Saraswati Ghat, Maheva Ghat and Rasulabad Ghat. These ghats will have amenities such as area for bathing, change room, universal access ramp, drinking water points, flood lights for night, kiosks, landscaping etc.

Two more sewerage management projects were approved in the 48th EC meeting, one each in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. In Bihar, a project to construct 3 STPs (7 MLD, 3.5 MLD and 6 MLD in Zones 1 and 2 respectively), among other works, was approved at an estimated cost of Rs 77.39 crore. These projects will prevent the flow of polluted water into River Kiul, a tributary of Ganga.

In Madhya Pradesh, one project to construct a 22 MLD STP, 2.38 MLD Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) and other works was approved at a cost of Rs. 92.78 crore. This project will prevent the flow of polluted water into River Kshipra, which is sub-tributary of Yamuna.

Another project for ghat development was approved for Haridwar, Uttarakhand where Akhand Param Dham ghat will be constructed at a total cost of Rs. 2.12 crore. The project includes construction of Shop/Kiosk (for Ghat pe Haat activities), yoga/meditation lawn, handicap ramp, promenade, platform for cultural and religious activities etc.