NAMAMI GANGE PROGRAMME

NAMAMI GANGE PROGRAMME   Introduction   Namami Gange Programme is an ambitious project launched by the Government of India on July 10, 2014. The primary objective of this programme is to clean and rejuvenate the holy river Ganga, which is…
May 6, 2025Posted inNews

NAMAMI GANGE PROGRAMME

 

  • Introduction

 

Namami Gange Programme is an ambitious project launched by the Government of India on July 10, 2014. The primary objective of this programme is to clean and rejuvenate the holy river Ganga, which is not only culturally significant for Indians but also plays a vital role in the ecology of the country. The programme aims to address the pollution in the river Ganga and its tributaries by treating and cleaning wastewater and ensuring sustainable use of water resources. This article discusses the various aspects of the Namami Gange Programme, including its objectives, progress, and challenges.

 

  • Objectives of the Namami Gange Programme:

 

The primary objective of the Namami Gange Programme is to clean and rejuvenate the river Ganga and its tributaries. The programme aims to achieve this objective through the following activities:

 

  1. Wastewater Treatment: The programme aims to set up sewage treatment plants (STPs) to treat wastewater and prevent untreated sewage from entering the river Ganga. The treated water can then be reused for various purposes such as irrigation, industries, etc.

 

  1. River Front Development: The programme aims to develop riverfronts along the river Ganga to promote tourism and create a clean and safe environment for the people living near the river.

 

  1. Solid Waste Management: The programme aims to set up solid waste management systems to prevent the dumping of waste into the river and its tributaries.

 

  1. Biodiversity Conservation: The programme aims to conserve the biodiversity of the river Ganga and its tributaries by protecting the river’s flora and fauna.

 

  1. Afforestation: The programme aims to promote afforestation along the river Ganga and its tributaries to prevent soil erosion and improve the quality of the river.

 

  1. Public Awareness: The programme aims to create public awareness about the importance of the river Ganga and the need to protect it.

 

  • Progress of the Namami Gange Programme:

 

Since its launch in 2014, the Namami Gange Programme has made significant progress. Some of the major achievements of the programme are:

 

  1. Wastewater Treatment: The programme has set up several sewage treatment plants (STPs) along the river Ganga and its tributaries to treat wastewater. As of March 2021, 156 STPs with a total capacity of 4,358 million liters per day (MLD) have been sanctioned, out of which 107 STPs with a total capacity of 3,407 MLD have been completed.

 

  1. River Front Development: The programme has developed several riverfronts along the river Ganga, including in Varanasi, Kanpur, and Patna. These riverfronts have not only improved the aesthetics of the area but have also provided opportunities for tourism and economic development.

 

  1. Solid Waste Management: The programme has set up solid waste management systems in various cities along the river Ganga. As of March 2021, 34,167 metric tonnes of solid waste has been collected, and 29,783 metric tonnes of waste has been disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

 

  1. Biodiversity Conservation: The programme has taken several measures to conserve the biodiversity of the river Ganga, including setting up turtle conservation centres, fish ladders, and e-flow (environmental flow) monitoring systems.

 

  1. Afforestation: The programme has promoted afforestation along the river Ganga and its tributaries. As of March 2021, 16.47 lakh (1.6 million) saplings have been planted.

 

  1. Public Awareness: The programme has created public awareness about the importance of the river Ganga and the need to protect it through various campaigns, including the Ganga Swachhta Sankalp (pledge for a clean Ganga) campaign

 

  • Other Plans For Cleaning Of River Ganga

 

The River Ganga, also known as the Ganges, is a vital waterway in India and is considered sacred by Hindus. It stretches for over 2,500 km, passing through 11 Indian states and serving as a source of livelihood for millions of people. However, over the years, the river has become highly polluted due to the discharge of untreated sewage, industrial waste, and other pollutants. This has led to a decline in water quality and posed serious health risks for those who rely on it. In recent years, various projects have been initiated to clean up the Ganga. Here are some of the notable projects for cleaning of river Ganga:

 

  1. Construction of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs): One of the major contributors to the pollution of the Ganga is the discharge of untreated sewage. To address this issue, the Indian government has launched a project to build STPs along the river. These plants will treat the sewage before discharging it into the river, thus reducing the amount of pollutants in the water.

 

  1. Riverfront Development: To improve the aesthetics of the river and attract tourists, the Indian government has initiated a riverfront development project along the Ganga. This project includes the construction of ghats, walkways, and public spaces along the river, as well as the development of cultural and recreational facilities.

 

  1. Ban on Single-Use Plastic: The use of single-use plastic is a major contributor to the pollution of the Ganga. To address this issue, the Indian government has imposed a ban on single-use plastic in the states through which the river flows. This ban has helped to reduce the amount of plastic waste entering the river.

 

  1. Bioremediation: Bioremediation is a process that uses microorganisms to break down pollutants in the water. The Indian government has launched a project to use bioremediation to clean up the Ganga. This project involves the release of microorganisms into the river that break down pollutants and improve water quality.

 

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns: To ensure the success of the various projects aimed at cleaning the Ganga, public awareness campaigns have been launched to educate people about the importance of the river and the need to protect it. These campaigns include the distribution of educational materials, public events, and media campaigns.

 

In conclusion, cleaning up the Ganga is a massive undertaking that requires the concerted effort of the government, civil society, and the public. The projects mentioned above represent a significant step in the right direction towards restoring the river to its former glory. However, sustained effort is required to ensure that the projects are successfully implemented and the river is kept clean in the long run.