This is a neatly constructed overview which is well understood by those who have undertaken such mega projects in the past. The first step is always to collect data - which has to include mapping the project -in this case the Ganga basin, and then identifying both the location of the polluting sources and their nature. The setting up of the management infrastructure and definition of responsibilities can be undertaken in parallel with the first step but there must be one over-arching project facilitator otherwise failures occur due to in-fighting between organizations. Corruption is also a major factor. One of the main questions, which never seems to be tackled head-on, is the order in which to proceed. Should we start with the worst polluted areas, work throughout the system, start at the bottom or start at the top? Actually the tried and tested method is to develop test areas which demonstrate the solutions which work and become models for the rest. My own preference would be to start at the top and work down as this shows immediate results which demonstrate what can be achieved and gives short term benefit to those at the head of the basin. Working from the bottom up provides less visible benefit until the whole project is complete.

Published by

This is a neatly constructed overview which is well understood by those who have undertaken such mega projects in the past. The first step is always to collect data - which has to include mapping the project -in this case the Ganga basin, and then identifying both the location of the polluting sources and their nature. The setting up of the management infrastructure and definition of responsibilities can be undertaken in parallel with the first step but there must be one over-arching project facilitator otherwise failures occur due to in-fighting between organizations. Corruption is also a major factor.

One of the main questions, which never seems to be tackled head-on, is the order in which to proceed. Should we start with the worst polluted areas, work throughout the system, start at the bottom or start at the top? Actually the tried and tested method is to develop test areas which demonstrate the solutions which work and become models for the rest. My own preference would be to start at the top and work down as this shows immediate results which demonstrate what can be achieved and gives short term benefit to those at the head of the basin. Working from the bottom up provides less visible benefit until the whole project is complete.