Explanations:The Ganga Action Plan (GAP) is a significant environmental initiative launched by the Government of India to address the severe pollution of the Ganges River. The Ganges, also known as the Ganga, is one of the most sacred rivers in India and is a lifeline for millions of people. However, it has been heavily polluted due to industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and municipal sewage.
The Ganga Action Plan was initiated in 1985 with the primary objective of cleaning the river and improving its water quality. The plan focuses on the diversion of municipal sewage from 25 large urban conglomerates located in three states: Uttar Pradesh (UP), Bihar, and West Bengal. These states were chosen because they have significant urban areas along the Ganges, which contribute a substantial amount of pollution to the river.
Uttar Pradesh, being the most populous state in India, has numerous large cities and towns along the Ganges, such as Kanpur, Varanasi, and Allahabad. These urban areas generate a considerable amount of sewage, which is a major source of pollution. Bihar and West Bengal also have large urban areas along the Ganges, such as Patna and Kolkata, respectively, which contribute to the river's pollution.
The Ganga Action Plan involves various measures to reduce pollution, including the construction of sewage treatment plants, the diversion of sewage away from the river, and the promotion of cleaner industrial practices. The plan also includes public awareness campaigns to educate people about the importance of maintaining the river's cleanliness.
It is important to note that while the Ganga Action Plan focuses on these three states, the pollution of the Ganges is a complex issue that involves multiple states and requires a comprehensive approach. Other states along the Ganges, such as Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, and Bihar, also contribute to the river's pollution and are involved in various initiatives to address the issue.
Understanding the geographical distribution of urban areas along the Ganges and the specific focus of the Ganga Action Plan on these areas is crucial for comprehending the initiative's scope and objectives. The plan aims to improve the water quality of the Ganges by addressing the major sources of pollution, particularly from large urban conglomerates in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.