Clean Krishna, Godavari project gets Central nod

Hyderabad: On the lines of 'Clean Ganga' project, the Union government has given its nod for 'Clean Krishna – Godavari' project, aimed at rejuvenation of the two major rivers in two Telugu states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Conservation of the two perennial rivers -Krishna and Godavari flowing in the two Telugu states and upper riparian states of Karnataka and Maharashtra was among the 13 projects approved recently by the Centre under the 'Save Rivers' scheme, according to Telangana Special Chief Secretary to Environment, Forests and Science and Technology Rajeshwar Tiwari. He was participating in a workshop on Krishna – Godavari river conservation in the city on Wednesday.

Tiwari said the proposals for the rejuvenation of the two rivers were being prepared and would be submitted to the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment and Water Resources soon.

Maintaining of ecological balance, preservation of flora and fauna along the river banks, stringent action against sand mining in the two rivers and plantation programme on the river beds will be the main initiatives to be taken under the action plan, the official said. The conservation of forest along the rivers will also be included in the 'Clean Rivers' project, he added.

The ongoing schemes like Anantvan (Afforestation), Aviraladhara (sustaining rivers) and Nuirmaldhara (conservation of water bodies) will be part of the cleaning of the two rivers, Tiwari explained.

Bengaluru-based Institute of Wood Science and Technology Director Madan Prasad Singh said the proposals for the revival of Krishna is already under preparation. The Telangana State Forest department is extending assistance to the institute, he said.

Telangana PCCF (Principal Chief Conservator of forests) Lokesh Jaiswal has been appointed nodal officer to coordinate with the Central and other implementing agencies.

Several officials from Irrigation, Pollution Control Board and EPTRI (Environmental Protection and Training Institute) were present in the first workshop conducted on the 'Clean Rivers' project.