GS PAPER II: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

Context: A tripartite Concession Agreement between National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) and M/s. Maheshtala Waste Water Management Private Limited was signed today for development of 35 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant for Maheshtala on Hybrid Annuity PPP mode.

• This project aims to take care of the existing sewerage problems in the town and the resultant sewage pollution in the Ganga.
• On implementation of the project there will be no discharge of untreated sewage from Maheshtala town into River Ganga thereby reducing pollution load in the river.

‘Namami Gange Programme’

• It is an Integrated Conservation Mission, approved as ‘Flagship Programme’ by the Union Government in June 2014 with budget outlay of 20,000 Crore to accomplish the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution, conservation and rejuvenation of National River Ganga.
• Main pillars of the Namami Gange Programme are:-
  • Sewerage Treatment Infrastructure
  • River-Front Development
  • River-Surface Cleaning
  • Bio-Diversity
  • Afforestation
  • Public Awareness
  • Industrial Effluent Monitoring
  • Ganga Gram
• Its implementation has been divided into Entry-Level Activities (for immediate visible impact), Medium-Term Activities (to be implemented within 5 years of time frame) and Long-Term Activities (to be implemented within 10 years).

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1727998

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