Significant Progress in Namami Gange Programme as Government Allocates ₹16,461.65 Crore for River Rejuvenation

New Delhi:  In a significant stride towards the rejuvenation of the River Ganga and its tributaries, the Namami Gange Programme has showcased commendable progress. Launched with the aim of addressing various sources of pollution, the initiative has undertaken a range of interventions, from pollution abatement measures to ecological flow improvement, afforestation, biodiversity conservation, and public awareness campaigns.

As of December 31, 2023, a total of 457 projects, including sewerage infrastructure projects, have been initiated under the Namami Gange Programme. These projects, estimated at ₹38,438.05 crore, focus on tackling pollution sources such as municipal sewage, industrial effluents, municipal solid waste, and non-point sources of pollution.

Of the 457 projects, 280 have been successfully completed and made operational. Predominantly, these projects involve the creation of sewage infrastructure, recognizing untreated domestic and industrial wastewater as a primary source of pollution in the river. The completion of 111 sewerage projects has contributed to the creation and rehabilitation of 2,844.00 MLD of sewage treatment capacity.

The Government of India has been actively supporting the initiative, releasing ₹14,329.72 crore to the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) from the inception of the Namami Gange Programme in FY 2014-15 till FY 2022-23. In the same period, NMCG disbursed ₹13,286.84 crore to various agencies for the implementation of rejuvenation projects.

In the ongoing fiscal year (2023-24), an additional ₹2,131.93 crore has been released by the Government of India to NMCG, underscoring the continued commitment to the program. Out of this, ₹1,930.57 crore has been disbursed to various agencies up to December 31, 2023.

In addressing concerns about sediment management, the Ministry of Jal Shakti organized a National Workshop on Sediment Management on June 19, 2023. While the Central Water Commission does not provide specific information, a National Framework on Sediment Management has been prepared for comprehensive and holistic sediment management by the State Governments, Project Authorities, and other Ministries.

Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Bishweswar Tudu, provided these details in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, highlighting the concerted efforts and financial commitments made towards the ambitious Namami Gange Programme for the revitalization of the sacred river. The progress made so far reflects a commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable water management, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving a cleaner and healthier Ganga.