UTTARAKHAND: State Ganga Committee Holds 18th Meeting Under Chief Secretary's Leadership

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In a significant stride towards the conservation and rejuvenation of the sacred Ganga River, the 18th meeting of the State Ganga Committee was held on Friday under the esteemed leadership of Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan at the Secretariat. The meeting underscored the urgency of completing all ongoing works within a stipulated timeframe, highlighting initiatives such as liquid waste management and solid waste management.

Key Highlights of the Meeting

Chief Secretary Bardhan emphasized that the projects aimed at the conservation and revitalization of the Ganga must adhere to strict timelines. He stressed the necessity for executing the assignments seriously, especially concerning liquid and solid waste management tasks, urging the implementing agencies to step up their efforts. Moreover, he directed that timely meetings of the district Ganga committees be organized.

Immediate Measures for Sewage Management

The meeting also addressed critical issues regarding sewage management. Chief Secretary Bardhan directed that the sewage management plants being developed under the Water Corporation must be completed promptly. He insisted that before establishing new sewage treatment plants, recommendations from the committee formed for the purpose should be obtained. In light of ongoing delays in land transfer processes concerning the STP constructions in Kotdwar, Pauri Garhwal, and Rudraprayag, the district collectors have been instructed to expedite these actions within a month.

Holistic Analysis and Technological Integration

To ensure efficient sewage management across the state, Chief Secretary Bardhan ordered a gap analysis of the sewage management system statewide. Additionally, he directed a speedy execution of floodplain zoning and hydrological survey tasks for various tributaries of the Ganga, underpinning the significance of a systematic and scientific approach in these endeavors.

Moreover, in a bid to enhance monitoring, he instructed the implementation of an online monitoring system. The necessity for a sludge management plan, especially for bi-products (sludge), was also highlighted. He urged that action plans for clearing the remaining 37 legacy waste sites be drafted promptly.

Participation from Senior Officials

The meeting witnessed the participation of prominent officials, including Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu, R. Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary Shailesh Bagoli, Nitesh Kumar Jha, Chief Conservator of Forests Parag Madhukar Dhakate, Member Secretary of the UPPCB S.P. Subuddhi, Vice President of MDDDA, and Director General of Information Banshidhar Tiwari, along with other senior officials, demonstrating the collective commitment to the conservation of the Ganga.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

This meeting marks a pivotal moment in Uttar Pradesh's ongoing efforts to sustain one of the most vital rivers in India. As the directives are set, the focus now rests on efficient execution and robust monitoring of the processes discussed. Stakeholders are urged to work cohesively towards achieving these goals for the preservation and restoration of the Ganga River, which holds both cultural and ecological significance for the nation.

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