Namami Gange Programme (NGP)
Context:
Recently, the Government approved the Namami Gange Programme (NGP) with a budget outlay of Rs.20,000 Crore to rejuvenate the sacred River Ganga.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Government policies and interventions)
Dimensions of the Article:
- What is Namami Gange Programme (NGP)?
- About Ganga River
- Government’s Recent Initiatives for a Pollution-Free Ganga
What is Namami Gange Programme (NGP)?
- It is an Integrated Conservation Mission, to accomplish the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution, conservation and rejuvenation of National River Ganga.
- The program was launched in 2014-15 with a budgetary outlay of ₹ 20,000 crore, for five years, up to March 2021.
- The vision for Ganga rejuvenation revolves around restoring the river’s wholesomeness, defined by ensuring “Aviral Dhara” (Continuous Flow), “Nirmal Dhara” (Unpolluted Flow), and maintaining its geological and ecological integrity.
About the Ganga River:
- It is one of the most sacred rivers in the world.
- The Ganga River basin is the largest in India, encompassing 27% of the country’s land mass and supporting about 47% of its population.
- More than 60% of the basin is used for agriculture, while 3.47% covers the water bodies.
- The Ganga river receives 35.5% of the total water input in terms of precipitation; however, with 35.5% of the total water input in terms of precipitation, it is still the second most water-stressed basin in India, following the Sabarmati Basin.
Government’s Recent Initiatives for a Pollution-Free Ganga
- Varanasi STP Project: ₹274.31 crore project for a 60 MLD STP and a 75 MLD pumping station (Hybrid Annuity Model).
- Bhadohi Sewage Project: ₹127.26 crore project for 3 STPs (17 MLD, 5 MLD, 3 MLD) and a sewer network (DBOT Model).
- National Framework for Safe Reuse: Guidelines for states on water reuse policies and economic models.
- Handbook on Treated Water Reuse: A Guide for Urban Policymakers on Water Conservation.
- 7 Biodiversity Parks: Approved in Mirzapur, Bulandshahar, Hapur, Budaun, Ayodhya, Bijnore, and Pratapgarh (UP).
- 5 Priority Wetlands: Approved in UP (3), Bihar (1), and Jharkhand (1).
- Forestry Interventions: 33,024 hectares afforested with ₹398 crore investment.
- Fish Conservation: 143.8 lakh Indian Major Carp (IMC) fingerlings ranched since 2017.
- Sewerage Projects: 203 projects worth ₹32,613 crore; 127 STPs with 3,446 MLD capacity completed.
- Industrial Pollution Control: 3 CETPs sanctioned: Jajmau (20 MLD), Banther (4.5 MLD), Mathura (6.25 MLD); Jajmau and Mathura completed.
Way Forward
- Strengthen Sewage and Industrial Waste Management: Expand sewage treatment capacity and establish more Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) to prevent untreated waste discharge into the Ganga.
- Promote Sustainable Agriculture: Encourage organic farming and reduce chemical runoff into the river basin through better irrigation practices and farmer incentives.
- Community Participation and Awareness: Involve local communities, NGOs, and educational institutions in river cleaning drives, awareness campaigns, and monitoring programs to ensure long-term success.
Mains Question:
Discuss the significance of river conservation programmes in India. Highlight the key challenges and suggest measures to improve their effectiveness. (250 words)
Related Posts
Static Quiz – May 14th, 2022
Posted on
