New Delhi: Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C.R. Patil, chaired the 14th meeting of the Empowered Task Force (ETF) on Ganga conservation, reaffirming the government’s commitment to making the river cleaner and more sustainable. He emphasized the need for time-bound execution of projects, strict pollution control measures, and enhanced inter-ministerial coordination. The Minister highlighted the importance of leveraging geospatial technology, real-time monitoring systems, and innovative conservation strategies to achieve long-term sustainability while balancing ecological preservation with economic growth.
During the meeting, Patil reviewed the progress of 492 projects under the Namami Gange Mission, which have a total outlay of ₹40,121 crore across 10 states. He noted that 307 projects worth ₹19,478 crore have already been completed, significantly improving water quality and pollution control. The Minister gave special attention to the development of sewage treatment infrastructure, with 3,346 MLD of sewage treatment capacity created and 4,543 km of sewerage networks completed to prevent the discharge of untreated wastewater into the river.
The ETF also assessed compliance with Environmental Flow (e-Flow) norms, ensuring regulated water flows from Devprayag to Haridwar and Unnao. Studies on e-Flow for major tributaries such as the Yamuna, Ramganga, Son, Damodar, Chambal, and Tons were discussed, reinforcing the government’s commitment to scientific water management. 0Patil emphasized the need for strict monitoring of industrial pollution, citing results from the seventh round of inspections covering 4,246 Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs). While 2,682 industries were found compliant, strict action has been taken against violators to restore the Ganga’s purity.
A key highlight of the meeting was the launch of a GIS Layer & Dashboard, which will provide real-time monitoring of riverine wetlands. This tool will integrate wetland health scores, threat assessments, and priority classifications, aiding in strategic conservation efforts. Patil underscored the critical role of wetlands in flood buffering, biodiversity conservation, and groundwater recharge, directing states to expedite the notification and classification of riverine wetlands for long-term protection.
The Minister also emphasized the transformative role of cutting-edge technology, particularly Drone and LiDAR data, for precise drain mapping along the Ganga. He urged stakeholders to actively contribute to data collection and use the mapping system for effective interventions. Additionally, the meeting reviewed aquifer mapping efforts in the Ganga-Yamuna Doab, particularly the Prayagraj-Kanpur stretch, highlighting the identification of 159 recharge sites to enhance river flow. Patil directed swift action on implementing the recommended Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Plan.
The meeting witnessed participation from key officials, including Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Chaudhary, senior officials from the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), and state representatives from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Bihar. Their collective efforts reinforced a collaborative approach to river conservation, ensuring a cleaner and healthier Ganga for future generations.