Previous Year Question
The main purpose of ‘Ganga Action Plan’ project launched in 1985, was
Build new dams over the Ganga river valley
Utilize the river water for irrigation only
Make its water pollution free only
None of these
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
The Ganga Action Plan—GAP was launched in 1985 to reduce pollution in the Ganga and improve its water quality. Its principal strategy was to prevent wastewater and other pollutants from entering the river without treatment.
Major activities included intercepting and diverting sewage towards treatment facilities and establishing Sewage Treatment Plants—STPs. Other works included low-cost sanitation facilities, electric or improved wood-based crematoria, and riverfront development.
In 1987, the objective was clarified as restoring the Ganga’s water to ‘Bathing Class’, meaning water quality suitable for bathing. This meant more than making the water look clean; improvements in pollution-related water-quality parameters were also necessary.
Major bathing-water standards include Dissolved Oxygen—DO of at least 5 mg/L, Biochemical Oxygen Demand—BOD of no more than 3 mg/L, and pH between 6.5 and 8.5. These parameters help assess oxygen availability, organic pollution, and the water’s acidity–alkalinity.