In a significant move towards the rejuvenation of the Ganga River, the National Mission for Clean Ganga’s (NMCG) executive committee has approved a whopping ₹1,062 crore for various conservation projects during its 57th meeting on Friday. These projects are strategically timed to coincide with the upcoming Mahakumbh Mela 2025, a major religious gathering expected to draw millions of pilgrims.
One of the key projects approved involves the construction of an interception, diversion, and sewage treatment plant (STP) in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, at a cost of ₹488 crore. This initiative aims to effectively manage and treat sewage, preventing its harmful discharge into the Ganga.
Another significant project worth ₹350 crore has been sanctioned for improving drainage and sewage management in Katihar, Bihar. This project is vital for preventing contamination of the river from urban runoff.
Furthermore, the committee has approved a ₹76.69 crore project for Supaul, Bihar, encompassing the construction of three STPs and six interception and diversion structures. This project is crucial for intercepting and managing six major drains, ensuring that wastewater is effectively treated before entering the Ganga.
Recognizing the importance of public awareness during the Mahakumbh Mela, the committee has allocated ₹30 crore for an information, education, and communication activity-based project. This project will involve decorating fairgrounds and deploying 1,500 Ganga Seva Doots, promoting awareness and sustainable practices among pilgrims.
In a bid to enhance the effectiveness of environmental data collection and monitoring, the committee has approved the restructuring of manpower under the pollution inventory, assessment, and surveillance (PIAS) project. This restructuring includes the creation of 90 sanctioned posts, strengthening the overall monitoring mechanism.
A five-year project worth ₹33 crore has been approved for strengthening the online continuous monitoring of existing STPs in the Ganga River Basin. This project will cover 11 STPs in Uttar Pradesh and 40 STPs in West Bengal, ensuring real-time data on their performance.
To improve sanitation and water management in various cities of Uttarakhand, a ₹2.5 crore project has been approved for co-treatment septage at existing STPs. This project focuses on the safe disposal of human waste, preventing its entry into the river.
The NMCG, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology-Banaras Hindu University (IIT-BHU) and Denmark, is spearheading the ‘Smart Laboratory for Clean River’ (SLCR) project. This initiative aims to conserve small rivers across the country with a total investment of ₹13 crore.
The committee has also approved a ₹2 crore freshwater turtle and gharial conservation breeding programme at the Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Center in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, under the Namami Gange Mission-II. This program focuses on protecting and restoring endangered species like the gharial, a critically endangered crocodilian species found in the Ganga River.
These substantial investments in various conservation projects demonstrate the NMCG’s unwavering commitment to the rejuvenation of the Ganga River. By addressing pollution, improving sewage management, and raising awareness, these initiatives aim to restore the river’s ecological health and preserve its cultural significance for generations to come.
