Keypoints:
- All existing diesel engine boats in the Ganga river in Varanasi will now be replaced by CNG engines.
- It will rid the holy Ganga of unpleasant smoke and noise pollution produced by diesel boats.
Divisional commissioner Deepak Agarwal said that, “From its corporate social responsibility fund, the Gas Authority of India (GAIL) is bringing a project of around Rs 37 crore, under which the existing diesel engines of the boats operating in the Ganga, will be replaced by new CNG engines. This will significantly reduce pollution and also enhance the scenic beauty of the river.” He added that GAIL would also establish its CNG station near Khidkiyaghat.
All the existing diesel engine boats in Ganga in Varanasi will now be replaced with CNG engines to curb with the increasing air and noise pollution, it will also be beneficial for the river and will rid the holy Ganga from the unpleasant smoke and noise pollution produced by the diesel boats.
40 CNG DISPENSERS TO BE ARRANGED.
As many as 40 CNG dispensers will be arranged on a jetty in order to refill the engines of boats.
“A token amount will be charged to make the boatmen stakeholders and the diesel engines will be completely disposed to ensure that they are not installed in other boats and are brought into Ganga again”, added the Divisional commissioner Deepak Agarwal.
AN ESTIMATED RS. 2 LAKH WILL BE SPENT ON EACH BOAT.
As per the estimate prepared for this project, around Rs 2 lakh will be spent on each boat to convert them from diesel to CNG-fuelled.This will not only reduce pollution but will also enhance the natural beauty of Ganga.
This whole project will be brought in and will be completed in the year 2021.
