From awareness to ownership: How Jan Ganga is turning river conservation into a people’s movement

September 2, 2026 12:21 PM

From awareness to ownership: How Jan Ganga is turning river conservation into a people’s movement

For centuries, the Ganga has been closely intertwined with India’s civilisation, culture and everyday life. The river has sustained communities, supported livelihoods and shaped traditions across generations. But increasing urbanisation, pollution and unplanned development have placed growing pressure on its ecological health. Against this backdrop, the Namami Gange Programme (NGP), launched in 2014, has sought to approach the rejuvenation of the Ganga and its tributaries as a broader conserv...

Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil chairs 17th ETF meeting, pushes tech-driven monitoring for Ganga rejuvenation

January 5, 2026 6:14 PM

Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil chairs 17th ETF meeting, pushes tech-driven monitoring for Ganga rejuvenation

Union Minister for Jal Shakti C.R. Paatil on Monday chaired the 17th meeting of the Empowered Task Force (ETF), focusing on strengthening technology-led monitoring, data-driven decision-making and compliance mechanisms under the Namami Gange Programme. The meeting reviewed progress on drainage mapping, sewage treatment infrastructure and innovative surveillance systems aimed at accelerating the rejuvenation of the River Ganga. Senior officials from central ministries, state governments and the ...