The newly-elected member of Namami Gange, which is a dream project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trivandra Singh Rawat, a senior BJP leader said the Union Government has allocated Rs27,000 crore for this project. Ganga flows through five States — Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
These States have pledged contribution, but none of them has allocated budget on this count so far. As per the project, the urban development ministry will bear 50 per cent of the expenses to be incurred while the rest will be borne by 11 departments.
Over 100 urban local bodies come under this project. So it is expected that the State Governments would release some funds. They must consider the plight of the sanitation workers as they have not received salary for the past four/ five months, he added
Pointing fingers at some of the State Governments, he said despite mouthing platitudes, they are promoting illegal mining along Ganga and its tributaries.
Following the allegation hurled by us, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat said that he had not allocated any lease for the mining in Ganga.
Trivandra Singh Rawat made it clear that BJP has no problem if mining lease is awarded to those who would mine scientifically, as per norms.
As per the norms, mining should not be carried out after sunset. However, such things are happening with impunity. They are thus not just denting into State exchequer but damaging the river through unscientific mining.
Tearing further into Uttarakhand Government, he said State tourism department has given license for boating in Tehri lake and given license to serve liquor and non-vegetarian food to the tourists too.
“This exposes their facade and their face as far as respect for the State’s heritage is concerned,” he said.
Quizzed as to why the Centre has remained dithery in releasing funds despite the project being touted as the PM’s dream project, he said things would hopefully start soon.
“The State Governments should also come forward to contribute their bits. This is a national project dear to the heart of one and all across the country,” he added.