Union Minister for Jal Shakti C.R. Paatil has emphasised that the conservation of the Ganga is not just an environmental effort, but is intrinsically linked to India’s cultural heritage, faith, and the lifeline of millions of people. Mr Paatil stated this while chairing the 16th Meeting of the Empowered Task Force on Ganga Rejuvenation in New Delhi. Expressing satisfaction over the achievements, the Union Minister highlighted that nearly 80 percent of the issues taken up during the past year by the Task Force have been successfully resolved. He further stated that these works are laying a strong foundation for Ganga rejuvenation, with efforts across diverse fields creating a holistic framework for the Ganga and its tributaries. He informed that special focus was laid on the status of wetlands in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where 282 and 387 wetlands were assessed, with 40 in Uttar Pradesh and 19 in Bihar identified as high priority.

The Minister urged both states to expedite notifications and provide legal protection to these 59 wetlands. The meeting also focused on strengthening of regulatory framework and discussed floodplain demarcation. Union Minister C R Paatil urged all Ganga basin states to implement the Central Water Commission’s technical guidelines, stressing that such regulation is essential to regulate activities in sensitive areas. The meeting brought together key stakeholders from various ministries and state governments, along with senior officers of NMCG and participating States.