The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has recently released a 15-point directive aimed at the 11 states within the Ganga basin. The aim of this initiative is to curb the issue of idol immersion in the river Ganga and its tributaries. In an attempt to control pollution levels, the directive also proposed imposing fines on unauthorized idol immersions during festivals. This article will delve into the specifics of these new rules, the initiatives taken to clean the Ganga, and what lies ahead.
The 15-Point Directive: An Overview
The NMCG’s new directive seeks to avoid large-scale immersions of idols and other religious materials in the Ganga and its tributaries, usually carried out during different festivals. Such activities have led to a worrisome increase in the pollution levels of the river. The states targeted by this directive include Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. If any unapproved immersion takes place, a fine of Rs. 50,000 could be imposed as per this rule. Action reports are expected from the Chief Secretaries of these states within seven days following each festival.
Pollution in the Ganga: Causes
Three main factors contribute to the pollution in the river Ganga: Industrial waste, Human waste, and Religious waste. Untreated harmful industrial waste being dumped into the river, human activities such as bathing and washing clothes, and religious activities including baths, cremation near ghats, and idol immersion are the root causes of pollution.
Efforts Towards a Cleaner Ganga
Several initiatives have been launched over the years to curb pollution and rejuvenate the Ganga. The Ganga Action Plan, initiated in 1985, was the first such effort aimed at improving water quality by intercepting, diverting, and treating domestic sewage and preventing toxic industrial chemical waste from entering the river. This initiative later expanded into the National River Conservation Plan, covering all major rivers of the country.
Tables of Facts
| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| National River Ganga Basin Authority (NRGBA) | Formed in 2009 to oversee the conservation of the Ganga |
| Namami Gange Programme | An Integrated Conservation Mission launched in 2014 to manage pollution and rejuvenate the Ganga |
| Clean Ganga Fund | Set up in 2014 to finance the NMCG and related activities |
Current and Future Challenge
An effective solution for the idol immersion issue must be identified and implemented. It needs to respect religious sentiments while preserving the environment. There must be strict enforcement of rules and the authorities should ensure effective monitoring. The Central Pollution Control Board data around the water quality of the Ganga in 2019 suggests that more work is needed as several stretches of the river remained unfit for direct drinking and bathing. Hence, more rigorous auditing, reporting and relevant actions are required.
