Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) aims to clean the Ganga River by treating sewage generated in five major states through sewage treatment plants (STPs) and sewerage networks.
- Over seven years, NMCG has achieved 20% sewage treatment capacity, with a target of 60% by December 2026.
About National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
| Objective | Restore and rejuvenate the Ganga River and its tributaries, ensuring their ecological and geological health |
| Formation Year | 2014 |
| Nodal Agency | Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India |
| Coverage | Encompasses Ganga and its major tributaries |
| Key Areas | Pollution control, riverfront development, biodiversity conservation, afforestation, and public awareness |
| Projects | Ghat and crematoria development, sewage treatment plants, river surface cleaning, and more |
| Holistic Approach | Integrates various government initiatives, stakeholders, and public participation |
| Collaborations | Partnerships with state governments, NGOs, international agencies, and private sector |
| Legal Measures | National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) established for river protection |
| Significance | Addresses ecological, social, and cultural aspects while ensuring sustainable water quality |
Current and Future Sewage Treatment Capacity
- As of now, NMCG treats about 20% of sewage generated in the Ganga river basin.
- The treatment capacity is projected to reach 33% by 2024 and 60% by December 2026.
- Sewage generation is estimated at 11,765 million litres per day (MLD) across five states: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Role of NMCG
- NMCG aims to prevent untreated sewage from flowing into the Ganga River.
- The 11,765 MLD projection includes sewage generated within the states but not necessarily flowing into the river.
- NMCG’s plan includes setting up 7,000 MLD sewage treatment capacity by 2026.
Projects and Progress
- STPs and sewerage networks constitute about 80% of the NMCG project.
- By July 2023, functional STPs treat 2,665 MLD, with 1,455 MLD added in the last financial year.
- Delayed projects resulted from land acquisition issues and revisions in Detailed Project Reports.
State-wise Distribution
- Most STPs are in Uttarakhand (36), followed by Uttar Pradesh (35) and West Bengal (11).
- Despite NMCG’s ₹20,000 crore budget, in-principle approval has been given for projects worth ₹37,396 crore, with ₹14,745 crore released for infrastructure work by June 2023.
Conclusion
- NMCG’s progress signifies a positive trajectory in Ganga River restoration, reflected in improved water quality and enhanced aquatic life.
- The mission’s efforts continue to tackle sewage treatment challenges and promote cleaner water resources.
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