The Centre today said, it is committed to take all possible measures to ensure that the river Ganga maintains continuous and unpolluted flow. According to a release issued by Prime Minister Office, a series of initiatives have been taken by the government in this regard.

It includes the setting up a consortium of seven Indian Institute of Technology which has been tasked with the responsibility of preparing a comprehensive Ganga RiverBasin Management Plan -GRBMP. The terms of the study would include continuous, adequate and unpolluted flow in the river, longitudinal and lateral connectivity, adequate space for various river functions and function as an ecological entity.

It said that steps have been taken to declare the course of its tributaries as eco-sensitive zone and ensure stringent compliance of environment norms along its flow. The release also said that the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has specifically asked the Ministry of Environment and Forests to direct the Central Pollution Control Board to immediately initiate stringent action under the relevant statutes against units responsible for violation of effluent and emission norms. He has also asked the Ministry to quickly strengthen the surveillance wing of the Central Pollution Control Board to ensure rigorous compliance with environmental norms.

It said that teh government is also committed to ensuring that adequate flow of water in the river Ganga is maintained during the Mahakumbh scheduled to be held in Allahabad in January, next year.