On the occasion of World Environment Day, Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, emphasized the need for a people-led movement for environmental protection and water conservation. Addressing an event organized by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), the Minister underlined India’s cultural legacy of revering nature and called for a revival of these values to integrate environmental responsibility into everyday life.
“We must look inward and ask ourselves: What can I do to conserve water and protect our environment? Government efforts alone are not enough—each individual must act,” he said.
Shri Shekhawat praised Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s commitment to the Namami Gange programme, launched in 2014, noting that significant progress has been made in cleaning the Ganga and that the Jal Shakti Ministry will continue to build on this foundation.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Rattan Lal Kataria, highlighted the achievements of the Namami Gange Mission and commended efforts to bring together diverse stakeholders for the cause of a cleaner Ganga.
Celebrating Community Participation and Knowledge Initiatives
Awards were presented to winners of the Ganga Quest 2019, a month-long online quiz aimed at promoting awareness about the Ganga. Conducted between April 22 (World Earth Day) and May 22 (World Biodiversity Day), the quiz witnessed participation from over 36,500 students across CBSE schools, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and other institutions.
Ganga Praharis, a cadre of self-motivated local volunteers created by the Wildlife Institute of India, were felicitated for their exemplary work in biodiversity conservation and Ganga cleanliness—especially during Kumbh 2019.
Major Project Launch for West Bengal
A concession agreement was signed for STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) projects in Howrah, Bally, Baranagar & Kamarhati under the Hybrid Annuity-based PPP model. These are the first projects in West Bengal under the "One City, One Operator" concept and include:
Three new STPs with 165 MLD capacity
Rehabilitation of 22 MLD STP in Bally
16 km sewer network
Rehabilitation of pumping stations
15 years of O&M
Awarded to VA Tech WABAG, the project is valued at ₹592 crore.
Publications and New Initiatives Launched
Two new books were released by the Centre for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies:
Biodiversity in Ganga River System
Improving Conditions of Water Bodies Near Paper and Pulp Industries
Two radio jingles promoting water conservation were launched by the National Water Mission.
The event was attended by Shri U.P. Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Director General, NMCG, and other senior ministry officials.
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