New Delhi, Apr 17 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a comprehensive review meeting at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, to assess the current status of the Yamuna River and discuss the ongoing and future plans for its cleaning and rejuvenation.
He called for the use of real-time data and space technology to track drain flows and sewage plant performance, which are very important factors for the pollution of the river.
The Prime Minister, while emphasising the need to create a ‘people-river connect’ to inculcate respect for the river and make the river a part of the lives of citizens, said the experience of the people of Delhi while celebrating the festival of Chhath Puja should improve.
In addition to the Delhi stretch, special attention should also be paid to the culturally rich area around Braj, making the Braj Yatra part of the river-people movement, he added.
Modi said the best available technology should be harnessed to gather micro level real-time data to measure the flows in the drains as well as monitor the functioning of the sewage treatment plants.
He said the planning and implementation of pollution abatement infrastructure should be based on the data and the same should be used for improving governance to ensure that the existing infrastructure is functioning effectively.
He also advised the use of space technology for the purpose.
The PM also stressed the need for a Jan Bhagidari Movement in this regard, enlisting volunteers for river rejuvenation and public events around the river.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and senior officials were present in the meeting.
