Exclusive: German Minister says his government will help India clean its rivers

German Minister Philipp Knill said while attending the Ganga Mahotsav in New Delhi that his country will help India in cleaning its rivers. He said that several ideas used for cleaning the Rhine river in Germany could be implemented in India too.

New Delhi: Lending a helping hand, Germany on Monday offered to help India clean its rivers.

Talking to ETV Bharat in an exclusive interview, German Minister for Economic Co-operation and Development, Philipp Knill said that Germany will welcome all proposals in this regard.

"We are ready to help India to keep its rivers clean. In fact, we are already working with India in the river basin, creating awareness, and on the aspect of river flow," said Knill.

The German minister said that his government has also welcomed India's Clean Ganga Mission.

"We are happy to be a part of the clean Ganga mission," Knill said.

To bolster its relation with India, Germany has extended its helping hand for Ganga rejuvenation with the project 'Support to Ganga Rejuvenation'.

Knill said that some of the success stories from Rhine river could be implemented in India too.

"Yes, some of the aspects from Rhine river cleaning could be implemented in India," said the German minister.

The Rhine is one of the major European rivers, which has its sources in Switzerland and flows through Germany and the Netherlands.

The Rhine river cleaning has set an example for environment lovers. Thousands of people come voluntarily to clean it up.

As many as 58 cities in Europe have been taking part in the clean Rhine initiative from its source in Switzerland to its end in the Netherlands.

"Indian government has already taken several steps to keep its rivers clean and we will be happy to join hands in this regard," said Knill.

The German minister was in New Delhi to attend the Ganga Mahotsav.

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