Namami Gange Programme

 Namami Gange Programme

Why in News?
The Namami Gange Programme (NGP) has made significant strides in its goal to rejuvenate the holy River Ganga.

Initially launched in 2014 with a budget of Rs 20,000 crore until 2021, the program has now been extended to March 2026 with an additional Rs 22,500 crore, bringing the total budget to Rs 42,500 crore.

What is the Namami Gange Programme?
About:
Namami Gange is a flagship initiative aimed at revitalizing the Ganga River and its tributaries by reducing pollution, enhancing water quality, and restoring the river’s ecosystem.

Implementation:
The program operates through a Five-Tier Structure for Ganga rejuvenation, with eight strategic pillars that guide its execution.

Key Interventions:

1. Pollution Abatement (Nirmal Ganga): Establishing sewage treatment plants (STPs) and reducing the discharge of industrial and domestic waste.
2. Ecology and Flow Improvement (Aviral Ganga): Restoring the natural flow of the river and enhancing biodiversity, alongside implementing water conservation measures.
3. Strengthening People-River Connect (Jan Ganga): Encouraging community participation and raising awareness while involving local stakeholders in conservation activities.
4. Facilitating Research and Policy (Gyan Ganga): Promoting scientific research, studies, and the development of evidence-based policies.

Implementation Model:
The Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) is used for the development, operation, and maintenance of STPs. An Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) formed by the winning bidder manages these tasks. The payment is split with 40% paid after construction and 60% over the project’s lifespan.

Key Achievements:

• Pollution Abatement: The sewage treatment capacity has been increased by over 30 times since before 2014.
• Water Quality Improvement:
  • In Uttar Pradesh, BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) reduced from 10-20 mg/l (2015) to 3-6 mg/l (2022).
  • In Bihar, it dropped from 20-30 mg/l (2015) to 6-10 mg/l (2022).
  • In West Bengal, BOD decreased from 10-20 mg/l (2018) to 6-10 mg/l (2022).
• Biodiversity Impact: The Gangetic river dolphin population rose from 3,330 in 2018 to 3,936 in 2024, with sightings extending to new regions like Bithura to Rasula Ghat (Prayagraj), Babai, and Bagmati Rivers.
• Global Recognition:
  • In December 2022, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration recognized NGP as one of the Top 10 World Restoration Flagship Initiatives.
  • The International Water Association awarded NGP the title of Climate Smart Utility.

Importance of River Ganga:

• Lifeline of India: The Ganga supports 47% of India’s population across 11 states.
• Agriculture & Economy: 65.57% of the river basin is used for agricultural purposes.
• Cultural & Religious Significance: The Ganga holds sacred value for millions across various religions.
• Water Scarcity: The Ganga River Basin is the second most water-stressed area in India, with only 39% of the average per capita annual rainfall input.

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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQ)

Prelims

1. Which of the following are the key features of the ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)’? (2016)

   • The river basin is the unit for planning and management.
   • It leads the national efforts for river conservation.
   • One of the Chief Ministers from states through which the Ganga flows serves as Chairman of NGRBA on a rotating basis.
     Select the correct answer using the code below:
     (a) 1 and 2 only
     (b) 2 and 3 only
     (c) 1 and 3 only
     (d) 1, 2, and 3

   Answer: (d)

2. Consider the following statements: (2014)

   • The Animal Welfare Board of India was established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
   • The National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
   • The National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.

   Which of the statements above are correct?
   (a) 1 only
   (b) 2 and 3 only
   (c) 2 only
   (d) 1, 2, and 3

   Answer: (b)

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