It said steps have been taken to declare the course of its tributaries as eco-sensitive zone and ensure stringent compliance of environment norms along its flow, the Prime Minister's Officer (PMO) said here in a release.
"A consortium of seven IITs has been tasked with the responsibility of preparing a comprehensive GRBMP. The terms of the study include continuous, adequate and unpolluted flow in the river, longitudinal and lateral connectivity, adequate space for various river functions and as an ecological entity," the release said.
Members in the Lok Sabha had yesterday demanded effective and time-bound implementation of various programmes and projects to restore purity of the Ganga river.
Replying to the concerns raised by MPs on the issue, Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan had assured the House that a system will be established to monitor the action taken by various state governments against the defaulters who pollute the river.
To take stock of the initiatives being taken to restore and maintain the ecological health of the Ganges, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had convened a meeting of National Ganga River Basin Authority (NBRBA) on April 17, 2012, which was attended by the representatives of Ganga Seva Abhiyanam.
Following the meeting, the PM had ordered constitution of an Inter-Ministerial Group under the Chairmanship of Member Planning Commission for early completion of the study being conducted by IIT.