Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Jal Shakti, emphasized the urgent need for a people's movement dedicated to environmental protection and water conservation during an event organized by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) to mark World Environment Day 2019. He highlighted that living in harmony with nature and revering its elements has always been a core part of Indian culture. Shri Shekhawat called upon every individual to take responsibility for water conservation and river rejuvenation, stressing that government efforts alone are insufficient to address these challenges.
Shri Shekhawat also praised the remarkable commitment shown by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and his government since the launch of the Namami Gange programme in 2014, acknowledging the significant progress made and pledging continued support from the Jal Shakti Ministry.
The Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Rattan Lal Kataria, shared an overview of the achievements under the Namami Gange initiative and commended the Ministry’s efforts in uniting various stakeholders for the cause of a clean Ganga.
As part of the event, awards were presented to winners of Ganga Quest 2019, a month-long online quiz aimed at raising awareness and disseminating knowledge about the river Ganga. Launched on 22nd April 2019 (World Earth Day) and concluded on 22nd May 2019 (World Biodiversity Day), the quiz saw active participation from approximately 36,500 students across the country from CBSE schools, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and other academic institutions. The competition featured four categories: up to class 8, classes 8-10, classes 11-12, and an open category. Prizes were also awarded to schools with the highest participation.
The event also felicitated Ganga Praharis, a dedicated group of self-motivated volunteers formed by the Wildlife Institute of India, working towards biodiversity conservation and cleanliness of the Ganga River. These volunteers played a commendable role during Kumbh 2019, which was recognized at the event.
Significantly, a concession agreement was signed for three Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) projects—Howrah, Bally, and Baranagar & Kamarhati—in West Bengal under the Hybrid Annuity-based Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. These projects are the first in West Bengal awarded under the “One City One Operator” model through Hybrid Annuity PPP. The project scope includes development of three new STPs with a combined capacity of 165 million liters per day (MLD): 65 MLD in Howrah, 40 MLD in Bally, and 60 MLD in Baranagar & Kamarhati; rehabilitation of an existing 22 MLD STP in Bally; laying 16 km of sewerage network; rehabilitation of existing pumping stations and associated infrastructure; and operation & maintenance of all assets for 15 years. The project has been awarded to VA Tech Wabag at a cost of Rs 592 crore.
Additionally, two books published by the Centre for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies—on Biodiversity in the Ganga River System and Improving Conditions of Water Bodies near Paper and Pulp Industries in the Ganga River Basin—were released. Two radio jingles on water conservation produced by the National Water Mission were also unveiled.
The event was attended by Secretary Shri U.P. Singh, Director General NMCG Shri Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, and other senior ministry officials.
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