The 5th India Water Impact Summit (IWIS) has recently been in the news as it was hosted online due to prevailing global conditions. This summit is a collaborative effort of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the Center for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies (cGanga). Spanning over five days, it draws experts and scholars from around the world to deliberate on topics pertaining to water conservation, water security, and river rejuvenation.
About India Water Impact 2020
A comprehensive analysis and holistic management of local rivers and water bodies were the central theme of this year’s summit. A special focus was put on ‘Arth Ganga’, a concept based on synchronising river conservation with development. During the event, an important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research and cGanga, aimed at developing a robust sludge management framework in India.
The Role of National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
Established in 2011 as a registered society, NMCG forms the operational arm of the National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection, and Management of River Ganga (also known as National Ganga Council). This Council replaced the National River Ganga Basin Authority in 2016.
NMCG functions on a two-tier management structure comprising the Governing Council and Executive Committee. Its key objectives are to effectively control pollution, rejuvenate river Ganga and secure minimum ecological flows in the river to ensure sustainable development while maintaining its water quality.
In 2014, the ‘Namami Gange Programme’ was instituted as an Integrated Conservation Mission with an objective of effective pollution abatement, conservation, and rejuvenation of the national river Ganga. With a budget allocation of Rs. 20,000 crore, it is implemented by NMCG and state-level counterparts referred to as State Program Management Groups (SPMGs). The key elements of this program include Sewerage Treatment Infrastructure & Industrial Effluent Monitoring, River-Front Development & River-Surface Cleaning, Bio-Diversity & Afforestation, and Public Awareness.
Centre for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies (cGanga)
Established in 2016 at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IITK), cGanga serves as a Centre of Excellence for data gathering, generation, and dissemination of knowledge and information for sustainable development of the Ganga River Basin.
Acting as a comprehensive think-tank to NMCG, cGanga aids the mission in achieving its stated goals and objectives concerning the Ganga River Basin. The centre is instrumental in delivering in-depth research, insights and sustainable solutions for the rejuvenation and management of this crucial water body.