Ganga will become one of the cleanest river by 2018: Uma Bharti

New Delhi, May 28: Ganga, considered one of the 10 most polluted rivers in the world, will become one of the cleanest by 2018, Union minister Uma Bharti said on Saturday.

Lamenting that the river has often been used as a gateway to disposing affluents, Bharti exuded confidence that it would be transformed into the "10 most cleanest rivers in the world by 2018."

Participating at an event to mark two years in office of the NDA government here, Bharti said unfortunately, Ganga is considered one of the ten most polluted rivers in the world.

She said the government is seriously working for Ganga rejuvenation and what could not be achieved in the past 29 years after spending Rs 4000 crore, was taking place now.

The Union minister said funds are not an issue and the Centre is contributing sufficient funds to ensure that the target of 2018 is not missed.

Bharti had earlier assured the Lok Sabha that she would announce on the floor of the House in 2018 that the river has been rejuvenated.

Union Rural Development Minister Birender Singh spoke on the need to change the mindset of the people on the issue of sanitation.

He said construction of toilets, clean villages and a mindset where sanitation is considered a basic "need" is what is required for a healthier country. Singh also said of 60 lakh toilets planned, far more have been constructed across India.

PTI