Source: DD News
Context: The Namami Gange Programme, launched in 2014, has significantly improved sewage treatment capacity, river biodiversity, and pollution control measures in the Ganga River basin.
- The programme has quadrupled the sewage treatment capacity in Varanasi, improved water quality in multiple states.
About Namami Gange Programme:
What is Namami Gange?
- A comprehensive river conservation mission aimed at cleaning and rejuvenating River Ganga.
- Approved as a Flagship Programme by the Government of India in 2014.
Launched In: June 2014, with a budget outlay of ₹20,000 crore, later expanded to ₹42,500 crore.
Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti, under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
Aim of Namami Gange:
- Pollution abatement and ecological restoration of the Ganga River.
- Sustainable waste management through modern sewage treatment plants (STPs).
- Biodiversity conservation and revival of aquatic ecosystems.
- Public engagement and awareness to promote community participation.
Key Features:
- Sewage Treatment Infrastructure: Over 200 sewage treatment projects have been launched to prevent wastewater from polluting the Ganga.
- Riverfront Development: Modernization of ghats and crematoriums along the river to enhance sanitation and tourism.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Efforts to restore aquatic life, leading to a rise in Gangetic Dolphin population and improved fish species diversity.
- Afforestation & Eco-Restoration: Over 1.34 lakh hectares of trees planted along the Ganga to prevent soil erosion and maintain water flow.
- Ganga Gram Initiative: Development of 1,674 villages along the river with better sanitation, waste management, and clean drinking water.
- International Recognition & Collaboration: Recognized as a Top 10 World Restoration Flagship Initiative (UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, 2022).
