Cabinet approves Ganga Action Plan (GAP) Phase-II

New Delhi, June 10 (ANI): The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Thursday approved the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) Phase-II project.

The project would be assisted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and will be situated at Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi.

The project would be taken up under the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) programme at an estimated cost of Rs.496.90 crore.

The project cost will be shared on 85:15 basis between the Union Government and the Uttar Pradesh Government, except for the component of Consulting Services, which will be borne entirely by the Centre.

The share of the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh Government in the project will be Rs.427.73 crore and Rs.69.17 crore respectively.

The project will have direct beneficial impact in terms of reduction of pollution load in the river Ganga in the region besides collateral benefits like irrigation by effluents from Sathwa Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), and employment opportunities particularly at the construction stage.

The project will also benefit the local population and large population of local and foreign tourists who visit Varanasi for its spiritual and cultural importance. It will also improve the aesthetics of the area.

Biogas (methane) from Sathwa Sewage Treatment Plant will be used to generate electricity.

This will not only be a non-conventional energy source but will also provide benefits in terms of reducing green house gas emissions.(ANI)