A recent policy document from the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) proposes that cities along river banks should integrate river conservation strategies in their Master Plans. The directive is targeted towards towns situated on the main stem of the river Ganga, across five states: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. As the execution arm of the National Ganga Council which replaced the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) in 2016, NMCG, along with its state counterpart organizations, spearheads the Namami Gange Programme.
Key Highlights of the Proposed Policy
The policy strongly advocates for practical, river-sensitive plans – a concept inspired by the National Water Policy. It encourages the formulation of meticulous rehabilitation plans to eliminate encroachments while focusing on providing alternative livelihood options and an effective relocation strategy.
In terms of stakeholder engagement, the document calls for dialogues with landowners and encroachers to develop humane solutions collectively. This inclusive approach resonates with the policy’s emphasis on clearly establishing land ownership to circumvent legal intricacies during implementation.
To promote conservation, one crucial component of the policy is the enhancement of green cover near the river by creating green buffers, dismantling concrete structures, and implementing “green infrastructure”.
The Potential Impact of Master Plan
The proposed Master Plan stands a chance to set up a conducive environment that promotes the use of advanced technologies for river management. These could range from satellite-based water quality monitoring, artificial intelligence-powered riverine biodiversity mapping, citizen science and big data for river-health monitoring, to unmanned aerial vehicles for floodplain mapping. With continual progress in technology, this adoption could not only become more efficient but also seamless for cities.
Key Aspects of the National Water Policy, 2012
The National Water Policy 2012 emphasized the concept of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). This approach visualizes a river basin/sub-basin as a unit for planning, developing, and managing water resources in a coordinated way. The goal is to maximize economic and social welfare equitably without harming vital ecosystems.
The policy also stressed maintaining the minimum flow of rivers to meet ecological needs. In 2018, this approach led to guidelines that required the Ganga to remain at minimum water levels throughout the year.
Additionally, the 2012 policy highlighted the importance of inter-basin transfers of water – a strategy that aims to meet basic human needs and achieve equity and social justice. However, these transfers are recommended only after a careful evaluation of environmental, economic, and social impacts.
Other factors compelling a prioritization of water usage include decreasing spring sets in the Himalayas, budgeting, and restructuring of water subsidies and irrigation processes.
Last Modified: February 15, 2024