High Level Task Force Meeting on Ganga

Came to Delhi yesterday evening. Just attended meeting by Cabinet Secretary, Govt of India. This was the fourth meeting of the HLTF where Secretary GoI of MoWRR/ MoUD/ MoP/ MoRD/ MoDW/ MoTourism/ MoST/ MoExpenditure, MoRD and the 5 Ganga states were present. It was decided that MoUD and MoWR would complement each other in execution of STPs/ Sewerage Networks and funding. It was also decided that in few cases, a hybrid PPP annuity model would be followed. A standard model of crematorium has been developed by NMCG fit for 25 bodies / day. I mentioned that 11 DPRs for crematoria and 14 DPRs for Interception & Diversion stood submitted and required sanction. It was agreed that a fast-track mechanism of sanctions would be brought in soon. It was also informed that MoRD had recently allowed use of NREGA scheme to collect solid waste from scattered areas. It was suggested that this could be converged with Namami Gange.
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Clippings:

Times of India dt 16 December 2016

Khabar 365 dt 16 December 2016