Question

Why was the Ganga action plan launched?

Answer 1

Hint: The launching of the Ganga action plan is related to the conservation of natural resources. Currently, the Ganga action plan has been merged with NRCP.

Complete answer:
The Ganga action plan was launched in the year 1986 on 14th January. Its main aim was to lower the pollution, improve the quality of water in the Ganga river by diversion and treatment of domestic sewage and toxic wastes from identified point sources of pollution.
The Ganga action plan or GAP had two phases, Phase-I and Phase-II.

The Core objectives of the GAP were:
- To intercept and divert the sewage draining into the river.
- Installation of sewage treatment facilities for the treatment of the intercepted sewage.

Some other objectives of the GAP beside the core objectives were:
- Providing low-cost sanitization to communities and individuals.
- Development of the riverfront.
- Afforestation.
- Spreading public awareness

Additional Information:
- The GAP phase-1 was amended in three states, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
- The GAP phase-2 was merged with the National River Conservation Plan in 1996. Under NRCP 152 towns located along 27 interstate rivers in 16 states are covered. 215 schemes related to lowering pollution have been sanctioned.
- Several other plants have also been undertaken like GAP, such as the Yamuna action plan (YAP).
- A total of 33 rivers are covered under NRCP.
- Supply and availability of pure water are essential, otherwise, water borne diseases like cholera, typhoid, etc can spread through water.
- Presence of toxic chemicals like mercury, arsenic, and cadmium can cause Minamata disease, black foot disease, and itai itai respectively

Note: Ganga action plan phase-1 was initiated in the year 1985 but it was launched on the 14th of January, 1986. After considering the results and mistakes from GAP phase-1, GAP phase-2 was launched after merging with NRCP and making necessary moderations.