The 60th Executive Committee Meeting of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) was held to approve various projects aimed at conserving and rejuvenating the Ganga River. These projects focus on reducing pollution, enhancing community involvement, and promoting sustainable development. The initiatives reflect a commitment to preserving the environmental and cultural heritage of the Ganga.
Key Projects Approved
The meeting approved the interception and diversion of the Durga Drain in Varanasi. A sewage treatment plant (STP) with a capacity of 60 million litres per day (MLD) will be constructed at a cost of ₹274.31 crore. This project will manage long-term wastewater and control pollution effectively. Additionally, three STPs will be built in Bhadohi to prevent untreated sewage from entering the Varuna River, a tributary of the Ganga, with a total investment of ₹127.26 crore.
Community Engagement Initiatives
The NMCG introduced innovative programmes such as “Ganga Through the Ages – A Literary Bioscope.” This initiative, developed in collaboration with the National Book Trust, aims to engage the public through literature and education. It will highlight the Ganga’s historical, spiritual, and ecological importance. Other programmes include Ganga Mobile Parikrama, Chaupal Ganga Kinare, and Ganga Awareness Week, which will feature mobile libraries, digital storytelling, and workshops.
Technological Advancements
A drone-based monitoring project was also approved to track sapling plantation under the Namami Gange Mission-II in West Bengal. This project will assess tree health and create a digital database to ensure effective afforestation along the riverbanks. The use of drones signifies a modern approach to environmental monitoring and conservation.
Long-term Sustainability
The projects are designed to ensure sustainable operation and maintenance. The sewage treatment plants will follow the Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) model, ensuring effective management over the next 15 years. This long-term focus is crucial for maintaining the health of the Ganga River and its ecosystem.
Significance of the Initiatives
These initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to Ganga conservation. They combine infrastructural advancements with community engagement and technological innovation. The focus on public participation is expected to inspire behavioural change and encourage a collective responsibility towards the river’s health.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the role of public participation in environmental conservation efforts in India.
- Critically examine the impact of sewage treatment plants on river pollution control in urban areas.
- Explain the significance of afforestation in maintaining river ecosystems.
- With suitable examples, discuss the challenges faced in implementing large-scale environmental projects in India.
Answer Hints:
1. Discuss the role of public participation in environmental conservation efforts in India.
- Public participation enhances awareness and education about environmental issues.
- Community involvement leads to more sustainable practices and local stewardship.
- Programs like Ganga Awareness Week encourage citizens to engage actively in conservation.
- Public feedback can improve project designs and implementation strategies.
- Successful participation encourages a sense of ownership and responsibility towards natural resources.
2. Critically examine the impact of sewage treatment plants on river pollution control in urban areas.
- Sewage treatment plants (STPs) reduce the volume of untreated waste entering rivers.
- Effective STPs improve water quality and restore aquatic ecosystems in urban areas.
- Investment in STPs is crucial for urban centers with high population density and pollution levels.
- Challenges include maintenance, operational efficiency, and public awareness about proper waste disposal.
- Long-term sustainability of STPs requires continuous funding and community support.
3. Explain the significance of afforestation in maintaining river ecosystems.
- Afforestation stabilizes riverbanks, reducing soil erosion and sedimentation.
- Trees provide habitat for diverse flora and fauna, enhancing biodiversity along riverbanks.
- Root systems improve water retention and quality, benefiting aquatic ecosystems.
- Planting trees contributes to carbon sequestration, mitigating climate change impacts.
- Community-led afforestation projects encourage local engagement and stewardship of natural resources.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the challenges faced in implementing large-scale environmental projects in India.
- Funding constraints often limit the scale and scope of environmental initiatives.
- Bureaucratic hurdles can delay project approvals and implementation timelines.
- Public opposition or lack of awareness can hinder community-based projects, such as afforestation.
- Technical challenges arise in the construction and operation of STPs in urban areas.
- Coordination among multiple stakeholders, including government, NGOs, and local communities, is often complex.
