PM Modi to launch model stretch of Ganga in Jharkhand: Uma Bharti

Katihar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch on May 19 a model stretch of Ganga in Jarkhand for cleaning up operation of the river and its surroundings, Union Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Minister Uma Bharati said here on Friday.

Speaking to reporters in Katihar town on way to New Delhi after campaigning in West Bengal and reviewing the 'River Ganga Work Project' in Jharkhand, she said Modi will launch the model 80-km stretch of the river for clean-up operation on May 19 next.

Ruing that Ganga is most polluted in Sahebganj district of Jharkhand, having the shortest stretch of 80 km, Bharati said the cleaning of this stretch has been taken up on priority basis as part of the larger plan to make the river pollution-free and ensure its continuous flow.

Bharati said an institute will carry out cleanliness of the river in Jharkhand and that she has seen the work plan in this regard and had a discussion with the state government.

On raging political development in the country, including the outcome of the assembly polls in some states, the senior BJP leader said her party will form the next government in Assam and was in fray in West Bengal with an objective to form its government there, as well.

On the BJP extending support to PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti for formation of government in Jammu and Kashmir, she said the BJP-PDP ties proved that neither the saffron party was untouchable to anybody nor it considered others so.

For the BJP, the priority remained to give peace and good governance in Jammu and Kashmir, Bharati said defending her party's decision to extend support to the PDP for formation of a coalition government in the state next week.

On political situation in Uttarakhand, the Union Minister said it was unfair to blame BJP for the stance by Congress legislators which led to the sacking of Harish Rawat government and imposition of President's rule in the state earlier this week.