The Namami Gange Programme (NGP), launched in June 2014, is a flagship initiative by the Government of India to conserve and rejuvenate the Ganga River. Initially allocated Rs. 20,000 crore and later extended to Rs. 22,500 crore until March 2026, the program aims to significantly reduce pollution, boost biodiversity, and foster a deeper connection between people and the river, according to an official statement by the Ministry of Jal Shakti on Friday.
Achievements as of January 2025
A total of 492 projects have been initiated across various sectors, valued at Rs. 40,121.48 crore. Out of these, 307 projects have been completed and made operational, marking significant progress in the mission.
Sewage Infrastructure
A critical component of the Namami Gange Programme is the development of sewage infrastructure to tackle the massive pollution burden on the river. Out of 206 sewage infrastructure projects, 127 have been successfully completed, with a total sanctioned cost of Rs. 33,003.63 crore. These completed projects have significantly contributed to pollution abatement by treating and managing wastewater, thus improving the river’s overall water quality.
Biodiversity & Afforestation
The conservation and enhancement of the Ganga’s ecological health have also been prioritized. A total of 56 projects dedicated to biodiversity and afforestation have been launched, with 39 projects already completed. The sanctioned cost for these efforts stands at Rs. 905.62 crore. These initiatives focus on restoring the natural balance of the river basin through afforestation, increasing biodiversity, and maintaining a healthy ecosystem that supports the local population and wildlife.
Recent Initiatives for Pollution Control
In recent efforts, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved several high-impact projects to reduce pollution and improve the river’s ecological health.
The Varanasi Sewerage Project is a significant step towards pollution control, focusing on the interception and diversion of the Durga Drain and the construction of a 60 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP) in Varanasi, costing Rs. 274.31 crore. The project includes a 75 MLD pumping station and other structures, ensuring long-term management of wastewater in this key spiritual and cultural city.
Another major initiative aims to prevent untreated sewage from flowing into the Varuna River, a tributary of the Ganga, in Bhadohi. With an investment of Rs. 127.26 crore, this project will establish three STPs with capacities of 17 MLD, 5 MLD, and 3 MLD, and an extensive sewer network to curb pollution at its source.
A National Framework for Safe Reuse of Treated Water has also been developed by NMCG to guide states in adopting reuse policies for treated wastewater. This initiative focuses on conserving freshwater resources by promoting the reuse of treated water, thus fostering sustainable water management practices.
Ecological and Biodiversity Interventions
As part of its ecological focus, NMCG has sanctioned projects to develop seven biodiversity parks in various districts of Uttar Pradesh and has undertaken afforestation projects along the main stem of the Ganga. Approximately 33,024 hectares have been afforested with an expenditure of Rs. 398 crore, boosting the river’s green cover and contributing to a healthier environment.
In efforts to conserve fish biodiversity and support local livelihoods, 143.8 lakh Indian Major Carp (IMC) fingerlings have been released into the Ganga since 2017. These efforts are aimed at ensuring a balanced ecosystem and supporting the livelihoods of fishers who depend on the river.
Sewage Treatment and Industrial Pollution Abatement
A total of 203 sewage infrastructure projects, costing Rs. 32,613 crore, have been launched, aiming to treat 6,255 MLD (Million Litres per Day) of wastewater. Among these, 127 STP projects with a treatment capacity of 3,446 MLD have been completed and made operational, making significant strides in pollution reduction.
In tackling industrial pollution, three Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) have been sanctioned, including Jajmau CETP (20 MLD), Banther CETP (4.5 MLD), and Mathura CETP (6.25 MLD). Two of these projects, Mathura and Jajmau, have already been completed, effectively mitigating industrial pollutants from entering the river.
