Namami Gange is moving to success by ensuring a marked reduction in pollution of Ganga and thus ensuring its rejuvenation.
The interventions under the programme have reduced the number of polluted stretches of river Ganga, the Jal Shakti ministry informed on April 4, 2022.
As per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data for 2021, the observed water quality of river Ganga indicates that Dissolved Oxygen (DO), which is an indicator of river health, has been found to be within acceptable limits of notified primary bathing water quality criteria.
Namami Gange
Namami Gange Programme is a ‘Flagship Programme’ by the Union Government launched in June 2014 with a budget outlay of Rs.20,000 Crore to accomplish the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution, conservation and rejuvenation of National River Ganga.
Under the programme, the government is supplementing the efforts of state governments in addressing the challenges of pollution in river Ganga and its tributaries by providing financial and technical assistance under Namami Gange Programme.
A diverse set of interventions such as waste water treatment, solid waste management, river front management (ghats and crematoria), maintaining continuous flow in river, rural sanitation, afforestation, biodiversity, conservation and public participation are parts of the programme.
Achievements of Namami gange
The improvement in water quality is measured using dissolved oxygen level. The current dissolved oxygen level of river Ganga is satisfactory to support the ecosystem of the river for almost the entire stretch of the river Ganga.
The decrease in the number of polluted stretches on the main stem of river Ganga is also noteworthy.
CPCB in its 2018 report noted four polluted stretches on the main stem of river Ganga whereas in its 2021 report there are only two polluted stretches, and that too in the least polluted category (prority V). In 2018, among the four polluted stretches one stretch was in Priority III, two stretch in priority IV and one stretch under priority V.
As per comparison of median data of water quality parameters viz, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Faecal Coliform for the year 2014 and 2021; DO (Median) has improved at 31 locations; BOD at 46 locations and FC at 23 locations, respectively.
CPCB under Namami Gange has established 18 Real Time Water Quality Monitoring System stations, measuring the water quality of the main stem of River Ganga with effect from March 2017. These locations measure a maximum of seventeen and a minimum of eight parameters including ammonia, chloride and nitrate at the designated locations.
Under Namami Gange Programme, 160 sewerage infrastructure projects have been taken up with a sanctioned cost of Rs.24,633.01 crore for creation and rehabilitation of 4,930 MLD of STP capacity and laying of 5,227 km of sewerage network. Out of the total 160 projects, 78 have been completed resulting in creation and rehabilitation of 1,169 MLD of STP capacity and laying of 3,908 km sewerage network.
River Ganga- The Lifeline of India
The Ganga, rises in the Himalayas and flows into the Bay of Bengal traversing a course of more than 2,500 km through the plains of north and eastern India. The river has the world’s second-highest water discharge, and its basin is the world’s most densely populated because it hosts more than 40 per cent of the country’s population.
Great urban old cities such as Varanasi and Pataliputra thrived along the banks of the River Ganga. Besides its environmental and cultural value, Ganga is the lifeline supplying drinking water and irrigating fields.
WhatsApp us