The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has taken significant steps to improve the water quality of the Ganges and its tributaries through the Namami Gangetic Mission. To manage river pollution, 212 sewerage infrastructure projects have been undertaken since its launch, with an estimated cost of 34,526 crore. The projects aim to achieve a total treatment capacity of 6,540 million litres per day (MLD). There are 136 STP projects, totaling 3,780 units. MLD has been completed and is now operational. The. 

The management of industrial effluent discharge was achieved through the establishment of three Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs), namely Jajmau (20.5%). MLD), Banther (4.5. MLD), and Mathura (6.25. MLD). Mathura and Jajmau are two examples of these, which have been completed. Additionally, Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs) were subject to systematic inspection initiation in 2017 and have been conducted annually. By 2024, 4,246. All GPIs were determined during the 7th round of inspections. Out of the 4,000 units that were finalised on actions, 2,682 were found to be compliant, 517 were declared non-compliant and 523 were temporarily closed, while 278 were permanently shut down. The current 8th round of inspections is underway.? These actions have led to a 28.6% decrease in industrial effluent discharge, which was previously 349.3%. MLD in 2017 to 249.31. MLD in 2023. In 2017, the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) load fell to 13.73 tonnes/day, down from 26 tons per day in 2017. TPD in 2023. 

The Ganga and Yamuna Rivers have launched a web-based platform called "PRAYAG" to track water quality and STP performance in real time. The Central Water Commission has been tasked with monitoring the Ganga River, and minimum environmental flow (e-flow) norms have been introduced in 2018 to ensure uninterrupted flow. 

The mission has contributed to the creation of seven biodiversity parks in Uttar Pradesh's districts and authorized projects for five significant wetlands in U.P, Bihar, and Jharkhand. Additionally, biodiversity. The river has been irrigated on 33,024 hectares, and 414 crore has fostered through a forest intervention programme. 

As of 2017, the river has received over 160 lakh fingerlings of Indian Major Carp to sustain its fishlife and livelihood. The numbers are increasing. Other species conserved through conservation programmes include the Whale watchdog in India, the Wildlife Institute of India and state forest departments. The findings demonstrate heightened biodiversity and increased visibility of multiple riverine species.'". 

The Ganga Knowledge Portal was created to provide a comprehensive overview of water resource management. More than 1,000 documents, such as research reports, data sets, and technical publications, are made available to students, researchers, or stakeholders through its platform. 

A total of 139. District Ganga Committees (DGCs) have been established and have conducted more than 4,377 meetings using the 4M format—Monthly, Mandated. Minuted... Monitored. NMCG operations in Uttar Pradesh are supported by the Ganga Task Force, which conducts afforestation and public participation while also conducting biodiversity patrols and monitoring Ghats. 

The focus has been on public awareness through regular events like Ganga Utsav, Nadi Uths & Nadu, cleanathons, plantation drives, yoga at all ghats and Ganges Aartis. The presence of volunteer networks like Ganga Praharis and Gange Vichar Manch facilitates community engagement at the grassroots level. 

River water quality improvements are evident through the CPCB's monitoring. No areas in Uttarakhand and Jharkhand are considered polluted. Why? From Farrukhabad to Allahabad and Mirzapur to Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh's areas are classified as Priority Class V (BOD 3–6 mg/l). Bihar's Buxar, Patna, Fatwah, and Bhagalpur neighborhoods are classified as Priority Class IV (BOD 6–10 mg/l). Behrampur to Haldia is the West Bengal stretch that falls under the Priority Class IV category. 

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels have not changed from the levels required for primary bathing water standards and aquatic life.... Across the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, biomonitoring surveys conducted at 76 sites in 2024-25 revealed biological water quality that was from moderate to good, with diverse benthic species playing a role in ecological health. 

Dolphin numbers have increased significantly along the Ganga.') From 2,500 to 3,000 in the survey of 2009, the numbers increased until about 3,500 were reported in 2015, and then to approximately 6,327 in 2021-2023. There are 17 tributaries with dolphins present, including the Rapti, Bagmati, Ken, Betwa, and Sind that had no prior encounters. 

As of 30. June 2025, 167. A total of 3,781 patients can receive treatment with the installation of STPs. MLD. Land acquisition issues and procedural clearances from forest and revenue departments have caused delays in some projects. The Central Monitoring Committee oversees the project and regularly conducts reviews to keep track of the progress. 

Between 2014–15 and 30. 19,679.84 crore has been allocated by NMCG to different executing agencies for the implementation of the Namami Gange Programme in June 2025. 

Conclusion: 
Measurable improvements have been achieved in terms of sewage treatment capacity, industrial pollution reduction, biodiversity conservation, and public engagement through the Namami Gange Mission. Efforts were targeted to the extent that water quality and aquatic life have improved, with dolphin population having increased significantly.[M]. Despite ongoing challenges, particularly in project implementation and approval processes, the mission is moving forward with active oversight and community involvement. Together, these actions contribute to the restoration of a greener and more sustainable Ganga river system. 

Source:
Adapted from PIB Delhi report