The Namami Gange Programme (NGP), a flagship initiative launched in 2014, embodies the Indian government’s commitment to the holistic rejuvenation and conservation of River Ganga. Beyond its religious and cultural significance, the Ganga is a lifeline for millions of people across North India. The NGP adopts a multi-dimensional approach to address decades of pollution and degradation, aiming to restore the Ganga’s ecological integrity.
Key Objectives of Namami Gange Programme
- Aviral Dhara (Continuous Flow): Maintain a clean, uninterrupted flow in the Ganga by ensuring adequate water during the lean season.
- Nirmal Dhara (Unpolluted Flow): Eliminate pollution sources with a focus on urban sewage and industrial effluent treatment.
- Jan Bhagidari (Public Participation): Promote community engagement and create a sense of ownership for river conservation.
- Ecological Restoration: Focus on conserving aquatic biodiversity, restoring wetlands, and creating a sustainable river ecosystem.
Major Thrust Areas of NGP
- Sewage Treatment Infrastructure: Creating and upgrading sewage treatment plants (STPs) in towns along the Ganga to prevent untreated discharge.
- Industrial Effluent Control: Monitor and enforce pollution norms for industries, ensuring treated discharge into the river.
- Solid Waste Management: Prevent the disposal of solid waste and religious offerings into the river.
- River Surface Cleaning: Collection of floating waste and debris through trash skimmers and other measures.
- Afforestation Drive: Promote plantation along the riverbanks to reduce erosion and enhance biodiversity.
Progress Under NGP
- Expanded Sewage Treatment Capacity: Significant increase in STP capacity in river towns, treating a higher volume of wastewater.
- Ganga Gram Initiative: Targeting villages along the river for holistic development and open-defecation free (ODF) status.
FAQs About Namami Gange Programme
- Who implements the NGP? The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti is the apex body for planning and coordination.
- How is it funded? The NGP functions with substantial central government outlay and external funding assistance.
MCQs
The primary focus of Namami Gange Programme is:
A. Promotion of tourism along the Ganga
B. Eradication of rural poverty
C. Rejuvenation of the Ganga River
D. Constructing modern airports
Which of these is NOT a direct focus area of the NGP?
A. Sewage treatment infrastructure
B. Biodiversity conservation
C. Solid waste management
D. Free distribution of laptops
Answer Key: 1-C, 2-D
Conclusion
The Namami Gange Programme is an ambitious and critically important undertaking. While progress has been made, challenges persist in curbing pollution loads, maintaining the environmental flow of the river, and ensuring sustained behavioral change. The success of NGP hinges on continued investment in infrastructure, enforcement of regulations against polluters, and large-scale public participation to make the Ganga’s rejuvenation a truly people-driven movement.