IN NEWS

A Holistic Approach for Cleanliness of River Ganga

ANALYSIS

1. Context

• The Namami Gange Programme (NGP), launched in 2014–15, is India’s flagship river rejuvenation mission.
• Initially approved in June 2014 with a ₹20,000 crore outlay, later extended to March 2026 with ₹22,500 crore.
• Focus: Pollution abatement, conservation, and rejuvenation of the Ganga and its tributaries.

2. National Ganga Plan – Budget 2025–26

• ₹3,400 crore allocated for FY 2025–26.
• Target areas:
  • Improve sewage treatment capacity
  • Enhance water quality
  • Regulate industrial waste
  • Achieve prescribed bathing standards by 2025

3. Ganga River Basin – Key Facts

• Basin covers 27% of India’s landmass; spans 11 states.
• Supports 47% of India’s population.
• Land use:
  • 65.57% agriculture
  • 3.47% water bodies
• Despite receiving 35.5% of total precipitation, it is the second most water-stressed basin after Sabarmati.
• Receives only 39% of average per capita annual rainwater input among major Indian basins.

4. Vision for Ganga Rejuvenation

Based on the Ganga River Basin Management Plan (GRBMP) prepared by seven IITs, focusing on:

1. Aviral Dhara – Continuous flow
2. Nirmal Dhara – Unpolluted flow
3. Preservation of geological and ecological integrity
4. Emphasis on Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) – multi-agency & multi-sectoral coordination

5. Key Interventions

A. Pollution Abatement (Nirmal Ganga)

• Reduction of point & non-point pollution sources
• Sewage treatment expansion
• Industrial effluent regulation

B. Improving Ecology and Flow (Aviral Ganga)

• River flow management
• Ecological restoration

C. Strengthening People–River Connect (Jan Ganga)

• Community participation
• Awareness activities

D. Research & Policy Support (Gyan Ganga)

• Evidence-based policymaking
• Scientific studies & mapping
• Institutional strengthening

6. Project Progress (As of 31 January 2025)

Overall

• 492 projects worth ₹40,121.48 crore sanctioned
• 307 projects completed

Sewage Infrastructure

• 206 projects undertaken
• Sanctioned amount: ₹33,003.63 crore
• 127 STPs completed → major impact on pollution load

Biodiversity & Afforestation

• 56 projects taken up
• Funding: ₹905.62 crore
• 39 projects completed
• Focus on ecological recovery of the basin

7. Recent Government Approvals

A. Varanasi Project

• ₹274.31 crore sanctioned
• Interception & diversion of Durga Drain
• Construction of 60 MLD STP (Hybrid Annuity Model)
• Includes a 75 MLD main pumping station

B. Bhadohi Initiative

• ₹127.26 crore investment
• Prevention of untreated sewage into Varuna River
• Three STPs: 17 MLD, 5 MLD, 3 MLD
• DBOT model with 15 years O&M
• Sewer networks to capture four major drains

C. Reuse of Treated Wastewater

• National Framework developed for States
• Guidance handbook to promote safe reuse
• Supports freshwater conservation & sustainable water management

D. Biodiversity Initiatives

• 7 Biodiversity Parks approved in UP
• 5 priority wetlands sanctioned (UP – 3, Bihar – 1, Jharkhand – 1)
• Forestry intervention:
  • 33,024 ha afforested
  • ₹398 crore expenditure

E. Fish Biodiversity Conservation

• 143.8 lakh Indian Major Carp fingerlings released since 2017
• Supports:
  • Fish biodiversity
  • River dolphin prey base
  • Livelihoods of basin fishers

F. Industrial Pollution Abatement

• 3 CETPssanctioned:
  • Jajmau CETP (20 MLD)
  • Banther CETP (4.5 MLD)
  • Mathura CETP (6.25 MLD)
• Completed:
  • Mathura CETP (6.25 MLD)
  • Jajmau CETP (20 MLD)

8. Sewage Infrastructure – Key Numbers

• 203 sewage infrastructure projects (₹32,613 crore)
• 6255 MLD total treatment capacity
• 127 STPs operational with 3446 MLD capacity

9. Overall Significance

• Reduction in sewage flow & industrial discharge
• Improved river health parameters
• Strengthening ecosystem & biodiversity
• Community involvement in river conservation
• Major step towards achieving bathing-quality standards
• Long-term river basin sustainability through IRBM

STATIC PORTION

• Namami Gange launch: 2014–15
• Implementing Agency: National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti
• Key Components: Aviral, Nirmal, Jan Ganga, Gyan Ganga
• Funding Models: Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), DBOT
• Basin Coverage: 27% landmass, 47% population
• Major Tributary Mentioned: Varuna
• Ganga Basin Stress: Second most water-stressed after Sabarmati

Updated – 07 Mar 2025 ; 3:42 PM | PIB

News Source: PIB (https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2109078)