NMCG Approves 5 Ganga Clean-up Projects

The National Mission for Clean Ganga has approved five major projects worth Rs 73 crore. The projects were sanctioned during the 56th executive committee meeting chaired by Rajeev Kumar Mital, Director General of NMCG, in New Delhi, under the comprehensive Namami Gange programme aimed at rejuvenating the health of the Ganga River and its tributaries in Uttar Pradesh. Key Activities and Objectives of Projects Sanctioned One of the projects sanctioned is 'Establishment of Secretariat for Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers (SLCR)' at Varanasi. The project, implemented by IIT (BHU) and mentored by NMCG, will draw from worldwide experiences and eco-friendly practices in order to restore and rejuvenate smaller rivers in India. It aims to achieve a harmonious balance among environmental protection, economic growth, and social welfare. It targets smaller rivers with the motive of impacting the larger river systems that they fall into, like the Ganga River. The other important project is 'Faecal Sludge Management for Abatement of Pollution of River Ganga' at Dalmau, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh. This broadly comes under the Namami Gange Mission, whose motive agrees with the reduction of pollution levels in the Ganga River. It will entail the setting up an eight KLD Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant. Also proposed is a 15 KW Solar Power Plant and solar inverter for making the utilization of energy resources to undertake the treatment process sustainable. The NMCG has also sanctioned a sewerage project as part of cleaning the Ganga River in Gulaothi, Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh. While an estimated cost of Rs 50.98 crore, the focus is on the interception and diversion of drains and sewage treatment works. Gulaothi treatment plant will have a capacity of 10 MLD and will play a crucial role in stemming pollution in East Kali River-a major tributary of Ganga, which flows into eight districts of Uttar Pradesh. The project will also involve the operation and maintenance of STPs for a period of 15 years to achieve sustainability and long-term efficiency. Among the above projects, the executive committee has sanctioned the 'Restoration Plan of Lower Order Streams and Tributaries in the Upper Gomti River Basin through Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)' from the NMCG. The project has been proposed by the Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Central University, Lucknow, on the rejuvenation of lower-order streams/tributaries in the Upper Gomti River Basin. The project, to be executed on a budget of around Rs 81.09 lakh, would demonstrate just how important smaller rivers and rivulets are to ensure the water flow and ecological balance in major river systems such as the Gomti that in turn feed the Ganga. Importance of These Projects These cleared projects have great significance in the overall endeavour of cleaning and conservation of Ganga River and its tributaries. Ganga River is not only crucial for providing water supply to millions of people in India but also holds special significance in terms of cultural and religious heritage. However, over these years, it has faced much severity of pollution due to untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and other pollutants. Large and small, these are the manners of interventions that the NMCG uses to bring about a comprehensive program for river conservation. From handling pollution at many levels-whether faecal sludge management, use of sustainable energy in the treatment plants, or the restoration of smaller streams-to creating a cleaner and healthier Ganga ecosystem. The Varanasi project epitomizes the integration of modern technology and global expertise in solving the problems that afflict Indian rivers. Establishment of SLCR at IIT BHU would help create the nation's hub for innovation in river restoration and management by providing scalable solutions that can be replicated across the nation. Long-Term Impact These projects promise to give serious returns in the long run. Improvement in the health of Ganga and its tributaries will not only ensure a better environment but also improve livelihoods for communities dependent on these rivers. Cleaner rivers translate into better drinking water, irrigation, and industrial use, which improves public health and keeps economic outcomes better. Besides, the emphasis on sustainable practices, like solar generation in treatment plants and nature-based solutions for river restoration, befits larger Indian ambitions for renewable energy promotion and climate change mitigation. Conclusion This sanctioning of five projects with a total outlay of Rs 73 crore assumes great significance in the ongoing effort towards cleaning and conservation of Ganga River and its tributaries in Uttar Pradesh. Through innovative technology, environmentally sound practices, and community-centric interventions, NMCG is trying to ensure long-lasting health for one of India's most important natural resources. Source: National Mission for Clean Ganga