In exercise of the powers conferred by subsections 1 and 3 of section 3 of the Environment Protection

## Report on the Notification Regarding the District Ganga Committee for Muzaffarnagar **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification (S.O. 1067(E)) issued by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, concerning the constitution of a District Ganga Committee for Muzaffarnagar. This is a new policy establishing the committee. The notification outlines the committee's membership, term duration for nominated members, functions, and operational guidelines. The key finding is the establishment of a multi-stakeholder body responsible for contributing to the larger National Mission for Clean Ganga at the district level. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an overview and analysis of the notification (S.O. 1067(E)) issued by the Ministry of Jal Shakti regarding the formation of the District Ganga Committee for Muzaffarnagar, based solely on the information contained within the provided text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a new policy notification. * **Core Objective:** To constitute a District Ganga Committee for Muzaffarnagar, contributing to the broader objectives of the River Ganga Rejuvenation, Protection and Management Authorities Order, 2016, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986. (Inferred from the reference to these Acts and the title of the Ministry). **4. Background and Rationale:** * This notification likely addresses the need for localized implementation and monitoring of the River Ganga Rejuvenation, Protection and Management Authorities Order, 2016, at the district level. The creation of this committee suggests a need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to address Ganga-related issues within Muzaffarnagar. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * The notification establishes the District Ganga Committee for Muzaffarnagar. * It specifies the committee's membership, including both ex-officio members (government officials) and nominated members (representatives from environmental groups, industry, and religious organizations). * The ex-officio members include: District Magistrate (Chairperson), Chief Development Officer, Chief Medical Officer, Executive Engineer (Public Works Department), Executive Engineer (Muzaffarnagar Khand Ganga Canal), Deputy Commissioner (District Industries and Motivation Centre), District Panchayat Raj Officer, Executive Engineer (Rural Drinking Water Department), Regional Officer (Pollution Control Board), and Divisional Director (Social Forestry Division) as the Convener. * The nominated members include: Shri Satish Goyal (President Ganga Seva Samity, Sukratal), Shri Keshvanand Ji Maharaj (Shri Hanumatdham Sukratal), and President, Federation of Commerce and Industries, Muzaffarnagar. * The term of office for nominated members is two years from the date of the notification (March 9, 2021). * The District Ganga Committee is mandated to exercise powers and perform functions as specified in the River Ganga Rejuvenation, Protection and Management Authorities Order, 2016. * Travelling allowance, daily allowance, and sitting fees for nominated members will be governed by State Government rules. * The Chairperson (District Magistrate) is authorized to decide the procedure and frequency of meetings as per the River Ganga Rejuvenation, Protection and Management Authorities Order, 2016. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** * Directly affected parties include: * The residents of Muzaffarnagar. * Government agencies and officials in Muzaffarnagar. * Environmental organizations and activists in the region. * The Commerce and Industries in Muzaffarnagar. * The members nominated to the District Ganga Committee. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agencies:** The District Ganga Committee, overseen by the District Magistrate, is the primary responsible body. The Ministry of Jal Shakti provides overall guidance. The Uttar Pradesh State Ganga Committee was consulted in the process. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The nominated members have a term of two years. The frequency and procedures for meetings are to be determined by the Chairperson in accordance with the River Ganga Rejuvenation, Protection and Management Authorities Order, 2016. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * The likely intended outcome is improved coordination and implementation of Ganga rejuvenation efforts at the district level in Muzaffarnagar. This includes potentially improved water quality, waste management, and overall river health. The inclusion of industry representatives suggests a focus on balancing environmental protection with economic development. **9. Conclusion:** The notification represents a key step in decentralizing and localizing the National Mission for Clean Ganga. By establishing the District Ganga Committee for Muzaffarnagar, the government aims to foster a collaborative approach to address environmental challenges related to the Ganga River at the district level. The success of this initiative will depend on the effective functioning of the committee and the active participation of all stakeholders.

Key Entities Referenced