16th Empowered Task Force meeting on Ganga rejuvenation releases report on sand mining in large rivers
The Empowered Task Force on Ganga Rejuvenation held its 16th meeting under Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil on 29 September 2025 and released a report on the impacts of sand mining in large rivers.
Summary
The Empowered Task Force (ETF) on Ganga Rejuvenation held its 16th meeting under the chairmanship of Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil on 29 September 2025. A report on the geomorphic and ecological impacts of sand mining in large rivers was released at the meeting. The minister noted that nearly 80% of the issues taken up by the ETF over the past year had been resolved. Of the wetlands assessed in Uttar Pradesh (282) and Bihar (387), 59 were identified as high priority, 40 in Uttar Pradesh and 19 in Bihar, and the states were urged to notify and legally protect them. Larger cities in Uttar Pradesh have 4,651 MLD of sewage treatment capacity, with 1,708 MLD more under construction.
Key facts
- Meeting
- 16th ETF on Ganga Rejuvenation, 29 Sep 2025
- Chair
- Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil
- Report released
- Geomorphic and Ecological Impacts of Sand Mining in Large Rivers
- Issues resolved
- ~80% of those taken up in past year
- High-priority wetlands
- 59 (UP 40 of 282 assessed; Bihar 19 of 387)
- UP sewage capacity
- 4,651 MLD; 1,708 MLD under construction
Practice MCQs 1 questions
A report on which subject was released at the 16th meeting of the Empowered Task Force on Ganga Rejuvenation in September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Geomorphic and ecological impacts of sand mining in large rivers
The meeting chaired by C.R. Paatil released a report on the geomorphic and ecological impacts of sand mining in large rivers.