National Council for River Ganga replaces the National Ganga River Basin Authority to oversee Ganga rejuvenation

The centre has approved the setting up of the National Council for River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) which will replace the National Ganga River Basin Authority as the overseeing body for Ganga rejuvenation. It will have the power to issue directions and enforce the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Further, the government has also elevated the status of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) to that of an authority. The NMCG’s mandate, which was earlier restricted to project funding, will now include the enforcement of pollution laws and penalising defaulters. At the same time, the centre has also approved the setting up of state Ganga committees. These state-level committees will also work as authorities and give directions to the district Ganga protection committees falling under their jurisdiction.