The Centre is likely to expedite penal action against industries polluting the Ganga. At a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on implementation of the Namami Gange project here on Tuesday, directions were given to officials to ensure that pollution of Ganga is checked at the source.
According to the Centre, Modi has called for time-bound and swift action to stop pollution of the river. He asked officials to focus primarily on urban sewage and industrial effluents.
The Centre has identified 764 industrial units that are “grossly polluting” the Ganga. Tanneries, pulp and paper, and sugar industries account for over three-fourth of this number.
Modi told the officials to promote recycling of waste water. “He said industrial units should be motivated suitably to stop pollution, failing which action should be initiated within the framework of existing laws,” a release from the Prime Minister’s Office said.