The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented by the Government of India. It focuses on improving the water quality of the country's major rivers through pollution abatement measures, originating from the earlier Ganga Action Plan (GAP).
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The river cleaning programme in India was indeed initiated with the launch of the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) in 1985 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). Its primary aim was to improve the water quality of the river Ganga to acceptable standards.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The GAP was not the final initiative, nor did river plans cease in 1990. GAP Phase-II was launched in 1993 to cover tributaries of the Ganga (Yamuna, Gomti, Damodar, and Mahananda). Furthermore, the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) was launched in 1995 to cover other major rivers in the country.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The core objective of the NRCP is to improve the water quality of rivers, which are the major water sources in the country, through the implementation of pollution abatement works. These works typically include the interception and diversion of raw sewage, setting up Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), and creating low-cost sanitation facilities.
Key Takeaway: The National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) is an extension of the river conservation efforts that began with the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) in 1985. It aims to reduce the pollution load in rivers across India through interception, diversion, and treatment of domestic sewage.