The National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA), which is part of India's Jal Shakti ministry, is responsible for funding, planning, implementing, monitoring, and coordinating efforts related to the Ganges River. The organization's goal is to preserve the drainage basin that supplies water to the Ganges by guarding it against overuse or pollution. The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, formerly the Ministry of Water Resources, received the NGRBA in July 2014 from the Ministry of Environment and Forests. This article will explain to you about National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) which will be helpful in preparing the Environment Syllabus for the UPSC Civil Service exam.

Why Focus on Ganga?

Why Focus on Ganga?

• During the late 1970s, the development of industrialization and urbanization resulted in a significant increase in the discharge of untreated sewage into water bodies.
• This increased level of pollution raised the risk of water-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and other illnesses, as well as reduced the supply of clean drinking water.
• Due to behaviors such as open defecation, the release of untreated industrial runoff, and other factors, the major river, Ganga, experienced a significant increase in contamination.
• All of this happened as a result of a lack of public knowledge and no rules in place to keep these sectors under control.

The River Ganga

Current Status of Ganga

• Since 2014, the Ganga's water quality has greatly improved, with dissolved oxygen levels exceeding the permitted minimum level along the entire length of the river.
• In 2014, 32 of 53 biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) monitoring locations met the primary water quality criteria for bathing, however by 2021, the total number of monitoring stations had expanded to 97, with 68 monitoring locations meeting the BOD criteria for bathing.

BOD rates in ganga river

NGRBA - Overview

• In accordance with Section 3(3) of the Environment Protection Act of 1986, which also designated the Ganges as India's "National River," it was formed by the Central Government of India on February 20, 2009 with the following objectives:
  • ensuring effective pollution abatement and river Ganga conservation through a river basin approach that promotes inter-sectoral coordination for comprehensive planning and management;
  • preserving environmental flows in the Ganga in order to ensure water quality and environmentally sustainable development
• The NGRBA is a central and state planning, financing, monitoring, and coordinating body.
• The NGRBA's goal is to ensure effective pollution abatement and conservation of the Ganga by using a river basin approach to comprehensive planning and management.
• The Authority is responsible for both regulatory and developmental functions. In accordance with the need for sustainable development, the Authority will take measures to effectively reduce pollution and conserve the Ganga.
• The Authority is led by the Prime Minister. Other members are the chief ministers of the states through which the Ganges River runs and cabinet ministers whose direct responsibilities include the Ganges.
• The Chief Ministers who make up the group are from the states through which the Ganges flows, including West Bengal, Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, and Jharkhand.
• The funding for India's National Ganga River Basin Authority doubled to 500 crores in the Union budget for 2010.

NGRBA - Key Features

• The planning and management will take place at the river basin level. This approach to river management is widely recognized on a global scale.
• As a result, a new institutional framework in the form of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) would lead to national efforts to conserve rivers.
• Urban Local Bodies and State Agencies will be in charge of implementation.
• The new approach will consider conflicting water demands and aim to maintain minimum ecological flows.
• STPs reduce pollution loads until they meet the discharge requirement of 30 mg/l BOD, which calls for dilution to reach the river water quality level of 3 mg/l.
• Through modeling experiments, the minimum ecological flows or the entire Ganga will be determined.
• The NGRBA will take the necessary steps to control water extraction in order to sustain the river's biological flow.

NGRBA - Functions

• The NGRBA would be in charge of solving the Ganga's pollution issue holistically and thoroughly.
• Water quality required ecological flows, sustainable access, and other matters pertaining to river ecology and management will be covered.
• The NGRBA will play a developmental function in terms of planning and monitoring river conservation efforts and ensuring that essential resources are available in addition to its regulatory responsibility.
• The NRGBA will aim to keep the Ganga River's water quality within acceptable limits.
• Activities to reduce pollution will be carried out through the state's current implementation procedures as well as through special-purpose vehicles (SPVs) at pollution hotspots.
• The NGRBA will control water abstraction and encourage water storage projects to provide a minimum ecological flow in the Ganga.
• Programs for cleaning up the Ganga and its tributaries will be planned and overseen by the NGRBA. It will initially focus on the Ganga mainstream.
• For guidance on techno-economic concerns, the NGRBA would turn to professional knowledge both inside and outside the government.
• The Ministry of Environment will give NGRBA technical and administrative support as well as guidance on techno-economic issues.
• The Ministry of Environment & Forests is responsible for providing NGRBA with technical and administrative support.

What is Ganga Action Plan?

• The Ganga Action Plan (GAP) is a government-funded initiative.
• The National River Ganga Basin Authority was founded under this concept, and Ganga was declared a national river of India.
• The Ministry of Environment and Forests took up the first River Action Plan, the Ganga Action Plan, in 1985.
• Since then, the program's scope has expanded to include all of the country's major rivers, with the National River Conservation Plan - NRCP extending the program to other significant rivers in 1995.

Ganga Action Plan

Conclusion

The National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) has launched Mission Clean Ganga with a new and comprehensive approach to addressing Ganga's challenges in four areas: wastewater management, solid waste management, industrial pollution, and riverfront development. NGRBA functions include developing a Ganga River Basin Management Plan, regulating activities aimed at pollution prevention, control, and abatement, maintaining water quality and taking measures relevant to river ecology in Ganga basin states. These projects have already begun to produce notable impacts, and as more and more projects are put into action, the Ganga's water quality will continue to rise.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the main purpose of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)?

A) To promote tourism along the Ganga
B) To manage and rejuvenate the Ganga River basin
C) To enforce laws against wildlife poaching
D) To regulate fishing activities in the river

2. When was the NGRBA established?

A) 1995
B) 2005
C) 2009
D) 2012

3. Which program was launched under the NGRBA for river rejuvenation?

A) Ganga Action Plan
B) Swachh Bharat Mission
C) Namami Gange Programme
D) River Conservation Fund

4. What is one of the main challenges faced by the NGRBA?

A) Excessive funding
B) Population pressure and pollution
C) Overfishing
D) Lack of interest in conservation

5. How does the NGRBA engage with local communities?

A) By enforcing laws strictly
B) By providing financial support only
C) Through awareness programs and community engagement
D) By conducting scientific research

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Assess the role of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) in promoting sustainable development in the Ganga River basin.

Answer: The National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) plays a critical role in promoting sustainable development in the Ganga River basin through its comprehensive approach to managing the river's ecosystem. By focusing on pollution abatement, biodiversity conservation, and community involvement, the NGRBA aims to ensure the ecological health of the Ganga while supporting the socio-economic needs of the communities reliant on its resources. The authority implements initiatives such as the Namami Gange Programme, which integrates various aspects of environmental management, infrastructure development, and public awareness. This multi-faceted strategy fosters a balance between ecological preservation and economic development, promoting practices that support sustainable livelihoods while enhancing the quality of life for people living in the basin. The NGRBA's efforts also include monitoring water quality, enforcing regulations, and engaging stakeholders, ensuring a holistic approach to sustainable river basin management.

Q2: Discuss the significance of community participation in the NGRBA's initiatives.

Answer: Community participation is crucial to the success of the NGRBA's initiatives as it fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among local populations toward the Ganga River's conservation. Engaging communities in awareness programs helps to educate them about the ecological and cultural significance of the river, encouraging sustainable practices and reducing pollution at the source. Furthermore, local involvement in decision-making processes ensures that conservation strategies are culturally appropriate and effectively address the needs and concerns of those who directly depend on the river. By promoting collaborative efforts between the NGRBA and local communities, the authority can leverage indigenous knowledge and practices that enhance conservation outcomes. Ultimately, community participation not only strengthens the effectiveness of the NGRBA's initiatives but also contributes to a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to river management.

Q3: Evaluate the challenges faced by the NGRBA in achieving its objectives for the Ganga River.

Answer: The NGRBA encounters several challenges in achieving its objectives for the Ganga River, including resource constraints, political complexities, and socio-economic pressures. Limited funding can hinder the implementation of necessary infrastructure projects, such as sewage treatment plants and waste management systems, essential for reducing pollution. Additionally, the need for effective coordination among various state governments, local bodies, and stakeholders can lead to bureaucratic hurdles, complicating the execution of conservation initiatives. The increasing population and urbanization along the river basin contribute to escalating pollution levels and pressure on natural resources, further complicating conservation efforts. Moreover, raising awareness and encouraging active participation among diverse communities require sustained outreach and educational efforts. Addressing these challenges demands a multi-pronged approach, involving enhanced funding, inter-agency cooperation, and public engagement to ensure the successful rejuvenation of the Ganga River.

Previous Year Questions on NGRBA

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: What is the primary objective of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)?

A) To promote tourism along the Ganga
B) To manage and rejuvenate the Ganga River basin
C) To enforce laws against wildlife poaching
D) To regulate fishing activities in the river

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The primary objective of the NGRBA is to manage and rejuvenate the Ganga River basin, focusing on pollution abatement and sustainable development.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Evaluate the effectiveness of the National Ganga River Basin Authority in addressing pollution in the Ganga River." Discuss its strategies and challenges.

Answer: The NGRBA has been effective in addressing pollution in the Ganga River through various strategies, including the implementation of the Namami Gange Programme and the establishment of sewage treatment facilities. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, resource constraints, and the need for community engagement persist. By enhancing its monitoring capabilities and fostering public awareness, the NGRBA can improve its efforts to combat pollution and protect the Ganga River ecosystem.