The Government of India has continued river pollution abatement through the Namami Gange Programme for the Ganga basin and the National River Conservation Plan for other rivers. These schemes combine sewage treatment, riverfront development, biodiversity protection, afforestation, public participation, and environmental flow management. The latest progress shows large-scale project implementation, institutional monitoring, and technology-led conservation across major river systems.
Namami Gange Programme Progress
The Namami Gange Programme was launched in 2014-15 for rejuvenation of the river Ganga and its tributaries. It was first approved up to March 2021 and later extended to March 2026. As of February 2026, 524 projects have been sanctioned at a cost of ₹43,030 crore, of which 355 have been completed. The programme covers wastewater treatment, rural sanitation, riverfront management, biodiversity conservation, afforestation, and public awareness.
National River Conservation Plan
The National River Conservation Plan addresses rivers outside the Ganga basin. It has covered 58 rivers in 100 towns across 17 States. The sanctioned cost stands at ₹8,970.51 crore. Under the plan, sewage treatment capacity of 3,019 MLD has been created. The works include interception and diversion of sewage, sewerage networks, sewage treatment plants, low-cost sanitation, and bathing ghat development.
Monitoring, Biodiversity and Technology
Under the National Mission for Clean Ganga, 218 sewerage infrastructure projects have been taken up with a treatment capacity of 6,610 MLD. Of these, 138 STP projects with 4,050 MLD capacity are operational. The PRAYAG dashboard monitors river water quality and STP performance. Minimum e-flow norms notified in October 2018 are being implemented and monitored by the Central Water Commission. Biodiversity measures include seven biodiversity parks, five priority wetlands, afforestation over 33,024 hectares, and release of 203 lakh Indian Major Carp fingerlings. Conservation work also includes dolphin rescue support, gharial assessments, turtle rewilding, and SMART-based patrolling in the Chambal river system.
Institutional and Public Participation Measures
The Ganga Knowledge Portal has been developed as a central repository for water resource material, with 1,346 documents and related datasets. District Ganga Committees have been constituted for regular monitoring, and more than 5,118 meetings have been held. The Ganga Task Force supports plantation, awareness campaigns, and patrolling. Public outreach includes Ganga Utsav, Nadi Utsav, cleanathons, plantation drives, and Ghat Par Yoga. The Central Pollution Control Board monitors river water quality at 112 locations across Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026