Seven Years On Mission To Clean The Ganga Remains A Work In Progress

Relevance: GS2 - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors; GS3 - Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation

(Source: The Hindu, 09/02/2023)

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Why in the news?

• The Ganga River, revered for its cultural and spiritual significance in India, has long suffered from the burden of pollution and untreated sewage.
• In response to this environmental crisis, the Indian government unveiled the ambitious ₹20,000 crore National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) seven years ago.
• This mission represents a vital step in safeguarding not only the Ganga's ecological health but also the well-being of millions of people who depend on it for their daily needs.
• In this comprehensive overview, this article has discussed the progress and challenges encountered in the NMCG's efforts to restore the Ganga, shedding light on the journey from limited sewage treatment to promising signs of ecological revival.

What is the progress of the programme after 7 years of implementation?

• Current treatment capacity: The government has dedicated substantial effort to this program, with a particular focus on sewage treatment facilities (STPs) and sewerage networks. Currently, approximately 20% of the expected sewage generated in the five major states along the Ganga River can be treated by STPs.
• Projected treatment capacity: By 2024, it is projected that this treatment capacity will increase to around 33%, and by December 2026, it is expected to reach an impressive 60%.
• Progress timeline: As of July 2023, STPs capable of treating 2,665 MLD have actually been commissioned, and are now functional.
  • The initial progress was slow, with only 811 million liters per day (MLD) of treatment capacity completed from 2014 to 2021.
  • However, there has been a notable acceleration in efforts, with 1,455 MLD of capacity completed in the most recent fiscal year (2022-23).
• Uttarakhand has the highest number of plants that have been set up or upgraded, followed by Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
• Increase in Dolphin Population: There has been an increase in dolphin population from 2,000 to about 4,000, indicating improved water quality.
• Biodiversity Conservation: A dedicated group of trained volunteers known as 'Ganga Praharis' has been established to actively participate in and assist with on-the-ground conservation efforts.

About NMCG

• The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) was implemented by the National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga also known as the National Ganga Council.
• Established: This mission was established on 12th August 2011 under the Societies Registration Act,1860 as a registered society.
• Budget: As of June 2023, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), which has a budget of ₹20,000 crore, has received in-principle approval for projects totaling ₹37,396 crore. However, only ₹14,745 crore has been disbursed to the respective states for infrastructure development.
• The National Mission for Clean Ganga is responsible for the implementation of the government’s Namami Gange programme.

Objectives of NCMG

• To adopt a holistic river basin approach to effectively mitigate pollution and restore the vitality of the Ganga river.
• To foster inter-sectoral coordination for comprehensive planning and management of the Ganga river basin.
• To establish and maintain a sustainable minimum ecological flow in the Ganga river, thereby ensuring water quality and environmentally sustainable development.

Challenges faced by NCMG

• Population pressure: The Ganga basin is densely populated and continues to experience rapid urbanization, increased agricultural activities, and industrial expansion, placing immense stress on the river.
• Industrial pollution: It remains a significant concern along the Ganga, with many industries discharging effluents and pollutants into the river without proper treatment. These industrial effluents contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals, severely degrading water quality and harming aquatic life.
• Limited infrastructure: While progress has been made in constructing sewage treatment plants (STPs), some areas still lack adequate infrastructure for sewage treatment and solid waste management. Insufficient infrastructure results in the direct discharge of untreated sewage and waste into the Ganga, undermining efforts in other areas.
• Resource allocation: Sustaining the funding and resources required for a massive and long-term project like the NMCG can be challenging. Funding constraints can limit the implementation of key initiatives, potentially slowing down or hindering progress and affecting the mission's timeline for achieving its goals.

Initiatives Related to River Ganga

• Namami Gange Programme
• National Ganga Council
• Ganga Action Plan
• National River Ganga Basin Authority (NRGBA)
• Clean Ganga Fund
• Ban on Waste Disposal

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FAQs

MCQ

Question: Which of the following are not the tributaries of the Ganga?

1. Ramganga
2. Kosi
3. Mahananda
4. Penganga

How many of the above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four