Projects completed under Namami Gange Mission 2.0

General Studies Paper-3

Context: The Government of India has completed and operationalized four major projects under the Namami Gange Mission 2.0 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024-25.

About Projects

• Locations : The projects are located in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Total cost of the projects is 920 crores.
    • Munger (Bihar): Develops a 175 km sewerage network and a 30 MLD STP (Sewage Treatment Plant).
    • Mirzapur (Uttar Pradesh): Intercepts nine drains and rehabilitates six existing structures. Increases sewage treatment capacity to 31 MLD.
    • Ghazipur (Uttar Pradesh): Includes a 1.3 km Interception and Diversion (I&D) network and a 21 MLD STP.
    • Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh): Intercepts and diverts 15 drains.
    • Constructs three STPs with a combined capacity of 63 MLD.
    • Aims to improve water quality in the Ramganga River and subsequently the Ganga.
  • These projects based on the Hybrid Annuity PPP (HAM) model have been designed on the basis of Advanced Sequencing Batch Reactor technology and meet the stringent standards prescribed by the National Green Tribunal NGT.

About the Namami Gange Mission

• It is an Integrated Conservation Mission, approved as ‘Flagship Programme’ by the Union Government in June 2014 with budget outlay of Rs.20,000 Crore to accomplish the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution, conservation and rejuvenation of National River Ganga.
• With the success of the initial phase, the government has now embarked on Namami Gange Mission 2.0, a more ambitious and comprehensive effort to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the river.

Objectives

• Pollution Abatement: It aims to intercept, divert, and treat wastewater from open drains through innovative technologies and sewage treatment plants (STPs).
  • Over 200 sewerage infrastructure projects have been sanctioned, with many already completed and operational.
• Riverfront Development: Enhancing the aesthetic and functional aspects of the riverfronts, including the construction and modernization of ghats and crematoria, to promote tourism and cultural activities.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Efforts are being made to restore and conserve the river’s biodiversity. This includes the development of aquatic species restoration plans and the establishment of rescue and rehabilitation centres for endangered species1.
• Public Awareness : Engaging local communities, urban local bodies, and Panchayati Raj Institutions in the mission to ensure sustainable results.
• Effluent Monitoring: Strict monitoring and regulation of industrial effluents to ensure that industries comply with environmental standards and do not pollute the river.

Challenges

• Funding Issues: Despite significant financial commitments, ensuring consistent and adequate funding for the various projects under the mission remains a challenge.
• Technological and Infrastructure Issues: the adoption and scaling up of advanced technologies for wastewater treatment and pollution control can be hindered by infrastructural limitations and the need for continuous maintenance.
• Community Engagement: Ensuring that local communities, urban local bodies, and Panchayati Raj Institutions remain actively engaged and take ownership of the initiatives is a persistent challenge.
• Industrial Pollution Control: Enforcing compliance with environmental standards among industries can be difficult, especially in regions with high industrial activity
• Environmental Concerns: Restoring and conserving the river’s biodiversity requires a delicate balance.

Suggestions and Way Forward

• Namami Gange Mission 2.0 represents a holistic approach to river rejuvenation, integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
• By addressing the challenges and building on the achievements, the mission aims to restore the Ganga to its pristine glory, ensuring it remains a lifeline for millions of Indians for generations to come.
• Still there is a need for a multifaceted approach, combining technological innovation, community engagement, strict regulatory measures, and effective coordination among all stakeholders. By tackling these issues head-on, the Namami Gange Mission 2.0 can achieve its goal of rejuvenating the Ganga River and ensuring its sustainability for future generations.