The Union Minister for Jal Shakti recently oversaw the 10th meeting of the Empowered Task Force (ETF) for the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). This marks another leap in the journey of river conservation, tourism, and economic development, with the Union government shifting its focus from sanitation improvement under the flagship Namami Gange programme.
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
NMCG was established on August 12th, 2011 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection, and Management of River Ganga is currently overseeing its implementation. It aims to rehabilitate existing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), use instant short-term interventions to curb pollution at exit points on the riverfront, and maintain surface water flow without changing natural seasonal variations. Other objectives include regenerating and maintaining natural vegetation and conserving and regenerating aquatic and riparian biodiversity. NMCG also encourages public participation in the process of river protection, rejuvenation, and management.
Namami Gange Programme
Launched in June 2014, the Namami Gange Programme is an Integrated Conservation Mission aimed at effectively reducing pollution and promoting conservation and rejuvenation of the National River Ganga. It operates under the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, with implementation by the NMCG and state counterpart organizations. Main elements of the programme include sewage treatment infrastructure, river-front development, river-surface cleaning, biodiversity, afforestation, public awareness, and industrial effluent monitoring.
Recent Developments in Ganga Rejuvenation
With various ministries focused on different aspects of the river’s rejuvenation, recent developments include plans for tourism development along the Ganga, exhibitions and fairs in over 75 towns as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, and efforts to build organic and natural farming corridors along the river. These initiatives all align with the concept of Arth Ganga, which implies a sustainable development model focused on economic activities related to the Ganga.
Other Related Initiatives
Several initiatives like Ganga Action Plan, National River Conservation Plan, National River Ganga Basin Authority (NRGBA), Clean Ganga Fund, Bhuvan-Ganga Web App, and a ban on waste disposal in the Ganga have been put in place by the government to help clean up and conserve the river.
Namami Gange Programme in Phase 2 (2021-26)
In phase 2 of the Namami Gange Programme, the states will concentrate on expedited project completion and preparation of bankable Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for projects in Ganga tributary towns. The aim is to cut down delays and give focus on the revival of small rivers and wetlands. Future plans include developing a scientific plan and a health card for at least ten wetlands in each Ganga district and adopting policies for the reuse of treated water and other by-products.
All these programs and missions form the backbone of the government’s efforts to rejuvenate the Ganga River, facilitating its transformation into a clean, healthy, and sustainable water resource.
