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Context: The Union Jal Shakti Ministry’s National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) cleared eight projects worth ₹638 crores.

Details

Approved Projects under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)

• Rejuvenation of river Hindon, a tributary of the Yamuna.
• Development of ghats in Prayagraj, as part of preparations for the Mahakumbh in Uttar Pradesh in 2025.
• These ghats will have amenities such as an area for bathing, changing room, universal access ramp, drinking water points, floodlights, kiosks and landscaping.
• Sewage treatment projects in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.
• Ghat development was approved for Haridwar, Uttarakhand.

National Mission to Clean Ganga

About

• Recognizing the need to restore the health and glory of the Ganga River, the Government of India launched the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in 2011 as the implementation wing of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA).
• The NMCG is a registered society under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, with a mandate to plan, execute, monitor and coordinate various activities under the Namami Gange programme, which is an integrated approach to clean and rejuvenate the Ganga River and its tributaries.

Objectives

• The Namami Gange programme has four main components:
  • Sewage treatment
  • Riverfront development
  • Biodiversity conservation
  • Public awareness
• To create sewage treatment capacity for 2.5 billion litres per day, rehabilitate 4465 km of sewer lines, develop 197 ghats and 66 crematoria, and conserve 83 wetlands and five dolphin habitats.

Working Model

• Engage with various stakeholders such as state governments, local bodies, civil society groups, academic institutions and religious leaders.
• The NMCG has adopted a project-based approach to implementing the Namami Gange programme, with a focus on outcomes, timelines and accountability.
• The NMCG has also leveraged innovative technologies, financing models and partnerships to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its interventions.

Achievements of the NMCG

• Commissioning 151 sewage treatment plants with a total capacity of 1.3 billion litres per day.
• Completing 116 riverfront development projects with facilities such as toilets, changing rooms, drinking water kiosks and solid waste management systems.
• Launching the Ganga Praharis initiative to train and empower local communities as guardians of the river.
• Establishing the Ganga Aamantran Abhiyan to promote adventure tourism and ecological awareness along the river.
• Organizing the Ganga Utsav to celebrate the cultural and spiritual significance of the river.
• Launching the Ganga Quest, an online quiz competition to educate students about the river.
• Developing a comprehensive Ganga River Basin Management Plan with inputs from experts and stakeholders.

Conclusion

• The NMCG is committed to achieving its vision of a clean, healthy and vibrant Ganga River that sustains life and prosperity for all. The NMCG believes that the success of its mission depends on the active participation and support of all sections of society. The NMCG invites everyone to join hands in this noble endeavour and contribute to making the Ganga River a source of pride and joy for generations to come.

Significance of Ganga River The Ganga River is not only a sacred and cultural symbol of India, but also a lifeline for millions of people who depend on its water and resources for their livelihoods, health and well-being. The river basin covers 11 states, 26% of India's landmass and 43% of its population. The river supports rich biodiversity, including endangered species such as the Gangetic dolphin, gharial and golden mahseer. The river provides ecosystem services such as flood control, groundwater recharge, sediment transport and nutrient cycling.

Must Read Articles:

National Mission for Clean Ganga: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/national-mission-for-clean-ganga#:~:text=National%20Mission%20for%20Clean%20Ganga(NMCG)%20was%20registered%20as%20a,Act%20(EPA)%2C1986.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. What are the main components and objectives of the National Mission to Clean Ganga? How does it differ from the previous efforts to clean the river? What are the challenges and opportunities for its successful implementation?

https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_delhi/issues/33047/OPS/GRPB4KS3Q.1+GA1B4LLBL.1.html