Which of the following state is not covered in Ganga Action Plan Phase-II?

Question

Accepted Answer

The Ganga Action Plan (GAP) was initiated by the Government of India to reduce pollution and improve the water quality of the Ganga River. The plan was implemented in phases, with Phase-II focusing on extending the efforts to additional states and regions along the Ganga River basin.

1. **Explanation for Option 3 (Madhya Pradesh):**  
   Madhya Pradesh is not covered under the Ganga Action Plan Phase-II because the state does not lie within the immediate catchment area of the Ganga River. The Ganga primarily flows through the northern and eastern parts of India, and Madhya Pradesh is located more centrally and to the south of the Ganga basin. Therefore, it was not included in the specific initiatives of GAP Phase-II, which targeted states directly impacted by the river's pollution.

2. **Explanation for Option 1 (Jharkhand):**  
   Jharkhand is included in the Ganga Action Plan Phase-II because the river flows through parts of the state. The plan aimed to address pollution in areas where the Ganga and its tributaries have a significant presence, and Jharkhand is one of those areas.

3. **Explanation for Option 2 (Uttarakhand):**  
   Uttarakhand is a crucial state for the Ganga Action Plan as it is where the river originates. The state is included in Phase-II to ensure that pollution control measures are implemented right from the source of the river, making it a vital part of the plan.

4. **Explanation for Option 4 (Haryana):**  
   Although Haryana is not directly along the main course of the Ganga, it is included in the Ganga Action Plan Phase-II due to its proximity to the Yamuna River, a major tributary of the Ganga. Efforts to control pollution in the Yamuna indirectly benefit the Ganga, justifying Haryana's inclusion in the plan.

In summary, Option 3 (Madhya Pradesh) is the correct answer because the state is not part of the Ganga Action Plan Phase-II, as it does not lie within the primary Ganga basin or its immediate tributaries. The other options are incorrect because they are states that are either directly along the Ganga or have significant tributaries that contribute to the river's flow and pollution levels.