Namami Gange-Inspired Nirmal Narmada Project for Clean Rivers in Himachal, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir
Major Rivers of the Indus Basin to be Cleaned
On March 3, a major initiative was announced to clean five major rivers flowing in the Indus Basin, including Beas, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, and Jhelum, in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir. This cleaning project will follow the model of the Namami Gange initiative. The 84 tributaries of these rivers will also be rejuvenated as part of the project.
Approval of the Detailed Project Report (DPR)
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by the Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI) has been approved by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Soon, the river cleaning campaign will begin, which will be carried out through the Forest Department, while HFRI will monitor the progress of the project.
Funding and Project Implementation
The cost for cleaning four of the rivers is proposed to be ₹950 crores, while an additional ₹400 crores will be allocated specifically for cleaning the Jhelum River. The funds will be spent in the states where these rivers flow, i.e., Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir. Each state will manage the implementation of the project independently.