2. Any successful Ganga cleanup plan requires a multi thronged
approach. A local micro level handling and an elaborate plan
that applies to the whole course at a macro level.
Presenting a brief outline of Ganga Clean up Action Plan, steps
which I feel need to be taken to realize this mega goalβ¦
3. Every major city eg: Varanasi, Hardwar, Allahabad & Kanpur
has its individual problems, which need to be handled at the
respective city level.
β’ Proper sewage disposal to ensure that the river is not
contaminated by the city waste & sewage
β’ Water treatment plants to ensure no amount of untreated water
is released in the river
β’ Proper monitoring of industries along the bank to ensure,
polluted water with harmful chemicals is not discharged in the
river
β’ Half cremated bodies should not be released in the river. Electric
or improved wood crematorium should be used.
β’ Proper sanitary facilities provided in places with high domestic &
tourist traffic
City-wise pollution control measures:
4. β’ Strict laws & penalties for industries,
municipalities & individuals who are found
breaking law or polluting the river in any way
β’ Polluting units should be closed or shifted
[special mention-Tanneries in Kanpur]
β’ Regular monitoring of pollution level at
various points along the course of the river
Zero tolerance to pollution :
5. β’ Low cost Water treatment plants and sewage
treatment plants to be constructed along the
bank to ensure no untreated water goes in
Ganga
β’ The river bank should be lined with plants
especially the ones that help in reducing
pollution
β’ Buffer zone should be created along the
course of the river
Water treatment & rejuvenation:
6. Maintaining proper flow:
β’ 100 km stretch of Gaumukh β Uttarkashi
declared as eco-sensitive zone. No mega hydro
projects should be allowed here.
β’ Too many Hydro projects act as speed
breakers and reduce the natural flow of the
river. Monitoring indiscriminate number of
dams is required.
β’ Minimum flow should be fixed and regularly
monitored
7. Awareness drive:
β’ Media channels should be used to create
awareness about the campaign
β’ School & college students should be involved
in the campaign along with NCC volunteers to
help spread awareness amongst pilgrims
about pollution and cleanliness
β’ Seers and NGOs should also be included in the
awareness campaign to guide the general
public.
8. All of us are aware that this is a mammoth task,
which will require earnest efforts from all
concerned. We also know that a committed
Central and state governments only have the
power to take the necessary steps to clean the
holy Ganges.
All the bestβ¦