Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)’?

1. River basin is the unit of planning and management.
2. It spearheads the river conservation efforts at the national level.
3. One of the Chief Ministers of the States through which the Ganga flows becomes the Chairman of NGRBA on a rotation basis.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• The National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) was established in 2009 to ensure conservation of the Ganga River by adopting a river basin approach for comprehensive planning and management. It also aimed to maintain environmental flows (E-flow) in the river to preserve water quality.

Statement 2 is correct

• NGRBA functioned as the apex body for river conservation at the national level.

Statement 3 is incorrect

• The Prime Minister chaired the NGRBA.
• National Ganga Council replaced it in 2016.
  • Formed under the Environment (Protection) Act (EPA),1986, the Prime Minister chairs it.

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only; Difficulty Level: Hard