More efforts needed to curb river pollution: Alva

Curbing pollution in rivers flowing into Rajasthan from Punjab and appointing a full-time Tribal Development Commissioner for proper implementation of various projects are among the important matters the authorities in Rajasthan need to work on, outgoing Governor Margaret Alva said.
Alva, who completed her tenure as the state's Governor today, said she enjoyed her stay here and worked as much she could in the state's interest and to protect the Constitution.
Talking to reporters at Raj Bhawan, she expressed grave concern over polluted water flowing into Indira Gandhi Canal from Punjab and said that she has written letters to the concerned authorities including Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje to address the issue.

"This is really a serious issue which needs to be sorted out by the chief ministers of both Rajasthan and Punjab. The water is so much polluted that even an animal cannot drink it," she said.
One of the main focus areas of Alva was tribal area development for which she, during her stay in the state, paid several visits to tribal areas and ensured proper monitoring of works under the Tribal Sub Plan, being implemented in five districts of Rajasthan.
"I visited and monitored works in TSP areas and also set up a cell here and I am happy that conditions have improved after the monitoring. Earlier, TSP budget used to get lapsed up to 51 per cent but now the budget is being utilised up to 75 per cent," she said.

She said filling up of vacancies, appointment of female staff in girls and women hostel were among other issues to be looked into in TSP areas but things have changed positively after proper review and monitoring by the Raj Bhawan.