'Planet Earth' to focus on cleansing Ganges

Dehra Dun, Apr 21: For the Uttarakhand government, cleaning campaign of the river Ganga and establishing a 'Science city' in the state would be the top priorities under the United Nations aided 'Planet Earth' programme to be flagged off tomorrow.

The three-year programme begining tomorrow is organised by Science and Technology Department of India all over the country, it would conclude in April 2009.

Uttarakhand's Science and Technology Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said.

''Under this programme, 40,000 students would start their campaign from Hardwar to Badrinath with a water pollution measuring kit. They would take measurements of the pollution level in the river Ganga and also cleanse the banks of polythenes and other wastes.

A proposal of Rs 4 crore has been forwarded to the Centre to run the campaing. He maintained that environment preservation and pollution control would be other areas that would be covered under the programme.

''Attention would be given on 'Jal, Jangal, Zamin aur Jan (water, forest, land and people) and enhancing security, health and prosperity,'' he said, adding that a 'Science city' would also be set up in the state.

Mr Nishank said Ham Radio Clubs would also be set up in schools with trained students as its members. The club would provide immediate assistance during natural calamities.

The 'Planet Earth' programme would be flagged off at Gandhi Park here, 'National Service Scheme, NGOs 'Pahal' and 'Specs' would jointly organise the programme, he added.

The United Nation had declared year 2008 as International Planet Earth Year.

UNI