Eco-Friendly River Rejuvenation in Five Jharkhand Cities

Ranchi, Aug 21 (PTI) Rivers in five Jharkhand cities are set for rejuvenation and an eco-friendly transformation as part of a central government scheme, according to officials on Thursday.

Adityapur, Chas, Dhanbad, Ranchi, and Sahibganj (Rajmahal) are the cities chosen for the initial phase, focusing on the rejuvenation of the Ganga, Damodar, Kharkai, Harmu, and Swarnarekha rivers.

This initiative falls under the Urban River Management Plan (URMP), a crucial element of the River Cities Alliance (RCA).

The project seeks to purify river waters and maintain their flow steadily, incorporating efforts like riverfront development and plantation to foster an eco-friendly setting.

During a state-level workshop held on Wednesday, the Jharkhand Urban Development and Housing Department secretary Sunil Kumar emphasized the unique challenges each city faces, necessitating tailored plans for each locale.

Kumar highlighted that states with larger Ganga river basins have enjoyed greater benefits from the Namami Gange programme by the Centre.

He noted, "Since Jharkhand has an 80-km stretch of the Ganga, it's important to include its tributaries in this programme, as they eventually feed into the Ganga river. This project will help maintain the cleanliness and free flow of the Ganga."

The state government is already implementing several initiatives for river conservation, restoration, beautification, and management.

Efforts are focused on prioritizing rivers in infrastructure and urban development projects, including riverfront development, constructing sewage treatment plants (STPs), ensuring plantation, and creating an eco-friendly atmosphere around the rivers.

Suraj Kumar, Director of the Namami Gange Project in Jharkhand, urged urban local bodies to increase public participation and involve all relevant stakeholders in devising the urban river management plan.

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