With the government formally launching the ‘Namami Gange’ project from Haridwar in Uttarakhand. To clean the Ganga throughout its route from Gangotri in Uttarakhand to Ganga Sagar in West Bengal, the government launched 231 projects at an estimated cost of Rs 1,500 crore. Strict monitoring would be maintained to ensure that untreated water is not discharged into the Ganga.

• The projects include modernisation and redevelopment of ghats and crematoriums, development of sewage infrastructure and treatment, afforestation , tree plantation (medicinal plants), pilot drain project, interceptor drain project, trash skimmers and conservation of biodiversity.
• Seven reports have been prepared pertaining to the clean Ganga programme and 50 other reports would be received by this month.
• According to the Central Pollution Control Board, realtime monitoring is being done on 508 grossly polluting industries and 150 highly polluting industries have been served notice for shutdown.

Namami Gange focuses on cleaning of river Ganga in short term as well as a comprehensive vision with seven main thrust areas – that include maintenance of flow, river front development, capacity building, research & monitoring, biodiversity conservation and communication & public outreach.