India to clean up major rivers by 2007

Conservation Plan to check river pollution in 152 towns covering 16 states

India has pledged to clean up all major rivers in 16 states of the country by 2007.

Buoyed by the response to the 452 crore first phase of the Ganga Action Plan which reduced pollution in Ganges by 35 per cent, the government has started to implement phase two of the River Conservation Plan.

This involves cleaning and conserving 27 polluted stretches of major rivers in 152 towns in 16 states over the country.

The programme involves a sum of 3,300 crore. The cost will be shared in a 70:30 ratio between the centre and the states.

According to official sources, the National River Conservation Authority headed by the Prime Minister has formulated a holistic and integrated approach covering all rivers. Efforts are also being directed to involve the local bodies and people in the project.

In Delhi, the Japanese assisted Yamuna Plan has been adopted by the Haryana, Uttar-Pradesh and Delhi governments. Phase two of the project addresses pollution of Yamuna in Delhi and 33 other towns in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

Source: The Deccan Herald, June 05, 2002