Chas selected for URMP under Ganga river basin initiative

Bokaro: Chas has been selected among 60 cities countrywide for an Urban River Management Plan (URMP) under the Centre’s Ganga River Basin Initiative, deputy commissioner (DC) Ajay Nath Jha said on Friday. The URMP is aimed at improving river management and protecting urban water bodies.

Jha on Friday held a review meeting of district officials for URMP and directed them to provide baseline survey data within the stipulated time. Supported by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), the plan aims to identify pollution sources in the Garga River and strengthen the protection and sustainable management of urban water bodies.

“Chas was selected among nearly 60 cities across the country where the plan will be developed to improve river management and restore urban water bodies,” said the DC.

During the meeting, officials discussed several aspects related to river management, including flood planning, development and master planning, identification of river zones, sewage management, and liquid and solid waste management. Emphasis was also laid on creating public awareness about the need to protect rivers and water bodies.

Jha asked officials to provide data for the survey without delay and identify the issues which are plaguing the Garga river and other local water bodies in the area.

Notably, Garga is a tributary of the Damodar River, which originates from the Chotanagpur Plateau and merges with the Hooghly River in West Bengal.