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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.