The Namami Gange Programme was launched in June 2014 with the aim of rejuvenating the river Ganga and its tributaries. A comprehensive set of interventions have been taken up under the program, such as wastewater treatment, solid waste management, riverfront management, e-flow, afforestation, biodiversity conservation, and public participation.
A total of 409 projects have been taken up at a predictable cost of Rs. 32,912.40 Crore, out of which 232 projects have been completed and made operational. The majority of the projects pertain to the creation of sewage infrastructure, as untreated domestic and industrial wastewater is the main cause of pollution in the river.
As per the water quality assessment by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 5 Ganga main stem States in 2022, the observed water quality indicates that the median value of Dissolved Oxygen, which is an indicator of river health, is within acceptable limits of notified primary bathing water quality criteria and is satisfactory to support the ecosystem of the river for almost the entire stretch of the Ganga.
The United Nations (UN) has recognized the Namami Gange initiative as one of the top 10 World Restoration Flagships to revive the natural world. The award was received by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in December 2022 at the 15th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biodiversity in Montreal, Canada.
In conclusion, the efforts made under the Namami Gange Program have improved the water quality of the river Ganga and its tributaries and have led to an increase in the population of dolphins and another biodiversity in the river, as evidenced by the increased number of sightings and improved water quality.
