Implementation of Ganga Yojana The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has constituted special teams to assess the quantum of pollution caused by big drains in Ganga Basin and their possible solutions. They were also to report the status of sewage treatment plants (STPs) and need for modernization. The field survey was conducted during 04-08 December, 2014 by the teams of various institutions like NIH, CWC, CSMRS, NWDA, CGWB and NPCC. The teams identified 144 grossly polluting drains in five Ganga states (Uttrakhand, UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal) directly discharged to the river Ganga. The team has not recommended closure of any drains but has recommended that sewage in these drains should be treated before discharging into the river Ganga. As far as Industrial effluent discharge is concerned, CPCB has been asked to take remedial and deterrent action. Respective states have been requested to submit Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for Interception and diversion projects for these drains. This information was given by Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today. Samir/jk
