The 59th Executive Committee meeting of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) took place recently. It was chaired by Shri Rajeev Kumar Mital, Director-General of NMCG. The meeting approved several projects aimed at the conservation and rejuvenation of the Ganga River. These initiatives focus on enhancing cleanliness and promoting sustainable development.
Recent Projects Overview
The NMCG approved projects worth ₹272 crores for Chandauli and Manikpur in Uttar Pradesh. The Chandauli project, costing ₹263 crores, involves constructing a 45 MLD capacity Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and associated infrastructure. This project will operate under a hybrid annuity model and ensure operation and maintenance for the next 15 years.
Faecal Sludge Management Initiatives
In Manikpur, a Faecal Sludge Management project was approved for ₹9 crores. This initiative includes a 15 KLD capacity Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant and a 35 KW solar power facility. These features aim to provide eco-friendly waste management solutions and ensure effective operations for five years.
Bihar’s River Conservation Efforts
In Buxar, Bihar, a major project was approved at a cost of ₹257 crores. This project, based on the Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) model, includes a 50 MLD capacity STP and additional infrastructure. It also features a 1 MLD capacity STP using nature-based solutions. Moreover, the project will construct three interception pumping stations and develop an 8.68 km long sewer network.
West Bengal Initiatives
In West Bengal, projects aimed at river rejuvenation and sanitation management were approved for Uttarpara-Kotrung Municipality. An integrated septage treatment plant will be built at a cost of ₹8 crores, featuring a 22 KLD capacity faecal sludge treatment plant. This project also follows the DBOT model and includes provisions for operation and maintenance for the next five years.
Environmental and Cultural Significance
These projects represent step towards achieving a pollution-free Ganga. They align with broader goals of environmental protection and sustainable development. The NMCG’s commitment to a cleaner Ganga River is evident through these initiatives. The meeting was attended by various officials from the Ministry of Jal Shakti and NMCG, denoting collaborative efforts in river conservation.
Future Prospects
The approved projects lay a strong foundation for effective river rejuvenation. They are expected to enhance sanitation management across multiple states. The integration of modern technology and sustainable practices will play important role in the long-term health of the Ganga River.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the role of the National Mission for Clean Ganga in environmental conservation efforts in India.
- Critically examine the impact of sewage treatment plants on river water quality and public health.
- Explain the significance of nature-based solutions in modern waste management practices.
- With suitable examples, discuss the challenges faced in river rejuvenation projects in India.
Answer Hints:
1. Discuss the role of the National Mission for Clean Ganga in environmental conservation efforts in India.
- NMCG was established to coordinate and implement initiatives for cleaning and conserving the Ganga River.
- It oversees various projects aimed at sewage treatment, waste management, and river rejuvenation across multiple states.
- The mission promotes sustainable development by integrating environmental protection with economic growth.
- NMCG collaborates with state governments and local bodies to ensure effective implementation of projects.
- It plays important role in raising public awareness and encouraging community participation in conservation efforts.
2. Critically examine the impact of sewage treatment plants on river water quality and public health.
- Sewage treatment plants (STPs) reduce pollutants entering rivers, improving water quality.
- Effective STPs prevent health hazards associated with untreated sewage, reducing waterborne diseases.
- However, inadequate infrastructure or malfunctioning plants can lead to continued pollution and health risks.
- The success of STPs depends on proper operation and maintenance, which is often challenging.
- Community awareness and involvement are essential for the effective functioning of STPs and overall public health improvement.
3. Explain the significance of nature-based solutions in modern waste management practices.
- Nature-based solutions utilize natural processes to manage waste, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
- They enhance biodiversity and ecosystem resilience while providing cost-effective alternatives to traditional methods.
- These solutions can improve water quality and reduce flooding risks through natural filtration and absorption.
- Examples include constructed wetlands and green infrastructure that integrate waste management with urban planning.
- Nature-based solutions encourage community engagement and awareness about environmental stewardship.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the challenges faced in river rejuvenation projects in India.
- Lack of adequate funding and resources often hampers the implementation of river rejuvenation projects.
- Inconsistent political will and bureaucratic hurdles can delay project approvals and execution.
- Community resistance and lack of awareness about the benefits of rejuvenation can hinder progress.
- Pollution from industrial discharge and urban runoff poses ongoing challenges despite treatment efforts.
- Examples include the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, where despite multiple initiatives, pollution levels remain high due to these challenges.
