Reference Text

As part of the Ganga Grams initiative, comprehensive rural sanitation, development of water bodies and river ghats, construction and modernization of crematoria were taken up in the villages located along the main stem of river Ganga and have historic, cultural, and religious and tourist importance. Apart from the allocation of the funds from the government, financial and technological resource mobilization from the private sector is given priority. For instance, captains of Indian trade and industry have committed a support of nearly Rs 500 crores for the development of amenities like ghats, river fronts, crematoria and parks in various places along River Ganga as part of the Namami Gange Program. The Hybrid Annuity PPP model, which is so far prevalent in large scale projects, is adopted for the sewage sector also. The first such project was launched recently in Varanasi by PM Narendra Modi at an estimated cost of Rs 153.16 crore. A river basin with the complexity of the Ganga cannot be purified without having adequate knowledge base, analytical tools, research and awareness building. To address these issues, the Ganga Knowledge Centre (GKC) was established as a premiere and autonomous knowledge based institution to enhance the quality of the implementation of the Namai Ganga Programme. Besides, Ganga Vichar Manch and Ganga Manthan were launched to facilitate the participation of stakeholders, including policy makers and implementers, academicians, environmentalists, saints and spiritual leaders from all faiths and NGOs for the cause of Ganga Rejuvenation. To address the shortcomings in the implementation of the existing programmes to clean the Ganga, the proposed National River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Bill, 2017 should considered by the Parliament on a priority basis. The bill addresses the critical issues pertaining to River Ganga on its cleanliness (Nirmalta) and un interrupted e flow (Aviralta) and provides corresponding penalty provisions thereof. Besides, as recommended by the CAG, the authorities should prepare an Annual Action Plan, align its budget estimates based on such a plan and regularly review expenditure. Policy makers should realize the fact that the sustenance of more than 50% of the country population is intertwined with the quality of water flowing in the river Ganga. And, Swachh Bharat cant be realized without Swachh Ganga. As part of the Ganga Grams initiative, comprehensive rural sanitation, development of water bodies and river ghats, construction and modernization of crematoria were taken up in the villages located along the main stem of river Ganga and have historic, cultural, and religious and tourist importance. Apart from the allocation of the funds from the government, financial and technological resource mobilization from the private sector is given priority. For instance, captains of Indian trade and industry have committed a support of nearly

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