57th Meeting of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (GS Paper 2, Government Policies & Interventions)
Context
- The 57th Executive Committee (EC) meeting of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) recently convened to assess progress and approve key projects aimed at conserving and restoring the Ganga River.
- This meeting is particularly significant as it aligns with upcoming activities for the Mahakumbh 2025, an important cultural and religious event expected to draw millions of pilgrims and tourists.
Key Projects Approved
Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs):
- Locations: New STPs have been sanctioned for Katihar and Supaul in Bihar, and Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh.
- Importance: These facilities are critical for managing wastewater, as they treat and purify sewage and contaminants before discharging treated water into natural water bodies. This helps to mitigate pollution levels in the Ganga and supports public health.
Enhanced Monitoring Systems:
Online Continuous Effluent Monitoring System (OCEMS):
- The installation of OCEMS will provide real-time data on effluent quality from existing STPs throughout the Ganga River Basin.
- This is vital for ensuring compliance with environmental standards and for prompt action if pollution levels exceed permissible limits.
Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Activities for Mahakumbh 2025:
A comprehensive project aimed at enhancing cleanliness and public awareness during the Mahakumbh 2025 has been approved. Initiatives include:
- ‘Paint My City’ Campaign: This involves beautifying the mela area and surrounding cities through mural art and public displays that promote environmental consciousness.
- Awareness Programs: Educational initiatives to inform participants about the significance of river conservation.
Restructuring of the Pollution Inventory, Assessment, and Surveillance (PIAS) Project:
- The committee approved adjustments to improve the effectiveness of the PIAS project, which is under the oversight of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
- This initiative focuses on better monitoring and management of industrial pollution sources impacting the Ganga.
Smart Laboratory for Clean River (SLCR) Project:
- Key components of this project were approved to accelerate the rejuvenation of smaller rivers across India.
- The initiative aims to develop advanced laboratory capabilities to assess water quality and foster better research on river ecosystems.
Freshwater Turtle and Gharial Conservation:
- Approval was granted for a breeding program focused on the conservation of freshwater turtles and gharials at the Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Center in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
- This effort is crucial for enhancing biodiversity and ensuring the survival of these endangered species.
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
Foundational Overview:
- Established on August 12, 2011, under the Societies Registration Act, NMCG serves as the implementation arm of the National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection, and Management of River Ganga, following the dissolution of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) in 2016.
Legal Framework:
- NMCG operates under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which mandates the preservation and restoration of the Ganga’s ecological health.
Management Structure:
The NMCG operates with a two-tier structure:
- Governing Council: This body oversees general policies and directions for the mission.
- Executive Committee: Authorized to approve projects with financial outlays up to ₹1,000 crore, this committee plays a crucial role in project management and resource allocation.
Five-Tier Governance Structure:
The governance framework is designed to ensure comprehensive oversight and management:
- National Ganga Council (NGC): Chaired by the Prime Minister, this apex body formulates policies and strategies for the Ganga’s protection and rejuvenation.
- Empowered Task Force (ETF): Focuses on targeted actions for river rejuvenation, chaired by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti.
- State Ganga Committees: Operate at the state level to implement specific measures relevant to their jurisdictions.
- District Ganga Committees: Established in districts adjacent to the Ganga, these committees engage with grassroots efforts to protect and manage river resources.
The Namami Gange Programme: A Flagship Initiative
Overview:
- Launched in June 2014 with a budget of ₹20,000 crore, the Namami Gange Programme is a comprehensive initiative aimed at cleaning and conserving the Ganga River.
- It integrates various aspects of pollution abatement and ecological restoration.
Key Pillars:
- Sewerage Treatment Infrastructure: Establishment of adequate sewage treatment facilities to manage wastewater.
- River-Surface Cleaning: Ongoing efforts to remove solid waste and pollutants from the river’s surface.
- Afforestation: Initiatives aimed at increasing green cover along the riverbanks to support biodiversity.
- Industrial Effluent Monitoring: Enhanced regulations to ensure industries adopt proper waste treatment practices.
- River-Front Development: Creating public spaces that encourage community interaction with the river while promoting tourism.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educational programs to raise awareness about the significance of river conservation and the role individuals can play.
Learning from Global Examples: The Thames Recovery
Background:
- The River Thames in London faced severe pollution issues, leading to its classification as “biologically dead” in the 1950s due to industrial waste and inadequate sanitation.
Key Events:
- The Great Stink of 1858: This public health crisis prompted the development of a comprehensive sewage network designed by Sir Joseph Bazelgette, revolutionizing waste management in London.
Restoration Efforts:
- By the 1970s, all sewage entering the Thames was treated, and continuous monitoring by the National Rivers Authority improved water quality.
- The installation of oxygenators helped restore dissolved oxygen levels, essential for aquatic life, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted interventions in restoring ecological balance.
The Role of the National Ganga Council (NGC)
Establishment and Objective:
- Constituted in 2016 under the Environment (Protection) Act, the NGC aims to ensure the rejuvenation, protection, and management of the Ganga River and its tributaries through a coordinated approach.
Governance Structure:
- Chaired by the Prime Minister, it includes Chief Ministers from states through which the Ganga flows, ensuring collaborative governance.
Functions:
- The NGC formulates policies, monitors progress, and coordinates efforts across various governmental and non-governmental entities to address pollution and ecological challenges.
Challenges Facing the Namami Gange Programme
Lack of Data and Effective Monitoring:
- As of December 31, 2023, out of 457 projects initiated, only 280 were operational.
- The absence of reliable data on the functioning of STPs hampers effective evaluation of progress.
Neglect of Tributaries:
- Smaller rivers and tributaries are often overlooked, which negatively impacts overall river health.
- For instance, the Gomti River has been highlighted for low oxygen levels, detrimental to aquatic biodiversity.
Industrial Pollution:
- Certain industries, particularly tanneries in Kanpur, continue to discharge untreated effluents, leading to high levels of harmful substances like chromium in the Ganga.
Cost Overruns and Financial Mismanagement:
- Reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) indicate poor financial management, with only 8% to 63% of allocated funds utilized effectively during specific fiscal years.
Ongoing Environmental Threats:
- Illegal activities, such as sand mining and poorly planned riverfront development, disrupt the natural flow of the Ganga, exacerbating pollution and ecological degradation.
Recommendations for Improvement
Enhance Financial Management:
- Implement robust financial oversight to ensure transparency and accountability in fund utilization. This includes strict auditing processes and regular reporting.
Strengthen Industrial Regulations:
- Introduce incentives for industries to adopt environmentally friendly practices and technologies, coupled with strict penalties for non-compliance.
Revitalize Tributary Restoration Efforts:
- Focus on restoring the health of tributaries through targeted programs that enhance natural flow, improve water quality, and foster biodiversity.
Develop Comprehensive Monitoring Systems:
- Establish a centralized database to integrate and analyze data from all Namami Gange projects.
- This would facilitate better tracking of progress, identification of challenges, and strategic planning.
Conclusion
- The recent meeting of the NMCG represents a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the Ganga River.
- By approving critical projects and initiatives, the NMCG demonstrates a commitment to both immediate actions and long-term strategies for ecological restoration.
- Addressing the identified challenges and leveraging lessons from global examples will be vital in ensuring the Ganga not only survives but thrives as a vital resource for millions of people and as a symbol of India’s cultural heritage.
