CONTENTS IINTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Problem Area 1 1.3 Aim 1 1.4 Objectives 1 1.5 Methodology 2 1.6 Scope and Limitations . 2 1.7 Expected Outcome . 2 1.8 Chapterization 2 II THE GANGA ACTION PLAN 3 2.1 Introduction 3 2.2 Organizational Structure 3 2.3 Objectives of the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) 4 2.4 Core and Non-Core Schemes 4 2.5 GAP Phase 1 4 2.5.1 Core Sector Schemes 5 2.5.2 Non-Core Sector Schemes 5 2.6 GAP Phase 2 5 III GANGA ACTION PLAN IN CONTEXT OF VARANASI 6 3.1 Varanasi - City Profile . 6 3.1.1 Introduction 6 3.1.2 Historical Evolution of the City 6 3.1.3 Regional Importance 6 3.1.4 Physiography 7 3.1.5 Climate 7 3.1.6 City Structure 7 3.1.7 The Development Plans 7 3.1.8 Demographic Characteristics 8 3.2 The Ganga Action Plan 8 3.2.1 Introduction 8 3.2.2 Sources of Pollution and Abatement Measures . 8 3.2.3 Organizational Structure . 8 3.2.4 Sewage 8 3.2.5 Industries 9 3.2.6 Riverfront Polluters 9 3.2.7 Role of NGOs 11 IV IMPACT OF GAP ON RIVER WATER QUALITY .. 12 4.1 Spatio-Temporal Variation in Water Quality 12 4.1.1 Dissolved Oxygen (DO) 12 4.1.2 Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) 12 4.2 River Water Quality at the Ghats . 12 4.3 Seasonal Variations in the River Water Quality 13 V ISSUES AND CONSTRAINTS 14 5.1 Sewage Treatment Plants 14 5.2 River Front Activities 14 5.2.1 Bathing 14 5.2.2 Sanitation Facilities 15 5.2.3 Dhobi Ghats 15 5.2.4 Crematoria . 16 5.2.5 Preservation of Aquatic Life 16 5.2.6 Monitoring of Riverfront Activities 16 5.2.7 Monitoring of River Water Quality 16 5.3 Community Participation and the Role of NGOs . 17 VI CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 18 6.1 Summary of Issues 18 6.2 Strategies 21