The Centre says it is committed to take all possible measures to ensure that river Ganges maintains continuous and unpolluted flow.

According to a release issued by Prime Minister's Office, a series of initiatives have been taken by the Government in this regard, which includes the setting up a consortium of seven Indian Institutes of Technology to prepare a comprehensive Ganga River Basin Management Plan.

The release said steps had also been taken to declare the course of its tributaries as eco-sensitive zone and ensure stringent compliance of environment norms along its flow.

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 violating 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 of environmental norms.

The release said the Government would ensure adequate flow of water in the river during the Mahakumbh scheduled to be held at Allahabad in January next year.