New Delhi, Apr 18 (IANS): The National Mission for Clean Ganga in collaboration with IIT-Kanpur has launched a think-tank, the Centre for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies (CGRBMS), here.

The centre will work as a "knowledge hub" to coordinate all activities within the Ganga river basin, including science, technology, research, innovation, social and investment related aspects, official sources said on Monday.

The water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation ministry, signed a 10-year Memorandum of Agreement with IIT - Kanpur on Sunday evening on the issue to ensure dynamic evolution of the Ganga river basin management plan.

Speaking on the occasion, union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti said the government is focusing on cleaning the Ganga by setting up Effluent Treatment Plants and Sewage Treatment Plants.

"We are trying to make a framework where opinions from all the people across the globe who are interested in our rivers should be invited," she said.

Vinod Tare of IIT - Kanpur said, the centre will act as a "think-tank to the government" on matters concerning Ganga basin. He said the centre will collaborate with several national and international bodies.