57th Meeting of National Mission for Clean Ganga

57th Meeting of National Mission for Clean Ganga

For Prelims: National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) ,  Ganga River ,  Mahakumbh ,  Sewage Treatment Plants Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB ),  Smart Laboratory for Clean River’ (SLCR) Project ,  National Ganga Council ,  Environment (Protection) Act (EPA),1986.

For Mains:  Functioning of National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and its role in maintaining ecological health of Ganga river.

Why in News?

Recently, the  57th Executive Committee (EC)  meeting of  National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)  approved key projects in various states.

• These projects aimed towards the  conservation and cleanliness  of the  Ganga River,  and, for  IEC (Information, Education, and Communication)  activities during  Mahakumbh 2025.

What are the Key Projects Approved during the Meeting?

• Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs):  The EC approved  STPs  in Katihar and Supaul in Bihar and Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.
  • STPs purify water by  removing sewage and contaminants,  making it suitable to be released into natural water sources.
• Monitoring of STPs:  It includes the installation of an  Online Continuous Effluent Monitoring System (OCEMS)  for strengthening the online continuous monitoring of existing STPs in the Ganga River Basin.
• Mahakumbh 2025 IEC Activities : To enhance cleanliness and awareness during Mahakumbh 2025, an IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) activity-based project has been approved.
  • The project includes decorating the mela area and city through ‘ Paint My City’  and  mural art.
• PIAS Project : The Committee also approved restructuring manpower under the  Pollution Inventory, Assessment, and Surveillance (PIAS)  project to enhance its effectiveness.
  • PIAS project is piloted by  Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)  for the monitoring of industrial pollution.
• SLCR Project:  The Committee approved key components of the ‘ Smart Laboratory for Clean River’ (SLCR) project  to accelerate the rejuvenation of  small rivers  across the country.
• Turtle and Gharial Conservation:  Approval was granted for the  freshwater turtle  and  gharial conservation  breeding program at the  Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Center  in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

What are Key Facts About NMCG?

• About : It plays a crucial role in the  rejuvenation and protection  of the Ganga River.
  • It was registered as a society on 12th August 2011 under the  Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• Legal Framework:  It acted as the implementation arm of  National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)  which was constituted under the provisions of the  Environment (Protection) Act (EPA),1986.
  • After the dissolution of NGRBA in 2016, it is the implementation arm of  National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga (National Ganga Council) .
  • NGC ensures continuous adequate flow of water in the river and to prevent, control, and abate environmental pollution.
• Management Structure of NMCG:  NMCG operates with a  two-tier management structure  and both are headed by the  Director General (DG) of NMCG.
  • Governing Council : Oversees the general policies and direction of the NMCG.
  • Executive Committee : Authorised to approve projects with a financial outlay of up to  Rs 1,000 crore.
• Five-Tier Structure for Ganga Rejuvenation:  The Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986 envisages a  five-tier structure  at  national, state and district levels  to effective management and rejuvenation of the Ganga River.
  • National Ganga Council : Chaired by the Prime  Minister of India , this council serves as the  apex body for oversight.
  • Empowered Task Force (ETF):  Chaired by the  Union Minister of Jal Shakti,  this task force is responsible for focused action on river Ganga rejuvenation.
  • National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG):  Acts as the  implementing agency  for various projects aimed at Ganga cleaning and rejuvenation.
  • State Ganga Committees:  These committees operate at the state level to implement  specific measures  within their jurisdictions.
  • District Ganga Committees:  Established in each specified  district adjacent to the Ganga River and its tributaries,  these committees work at the grassroots level.

What is the Namami Gange Programme?

• About:  It is an  integrated conservation mission  to accomplish the twin objectives of effective abatement of  pollution, conservation and rejuvenation  of National River Ganga.
  • It was approved as ‘ Flagship Programme ’ by the Union Government in June  2014  with a budget outlay of  Rs. 20,000 Crore.
  • Flagship programmes are those which address  major national concerns  on health, education, environment, irrigation, urban and rural development etc.
• Key Pillars of the Programme:
  • Sewerage Treatment Infrastructure:  To manage  wastewater  effectively.
  • River-Surface Cleaning:  Removing  solid waste   and pollution  from the river's surface
  • Afforestation : Planting trees and restoring  green cover.
  • Industrial Effluent Monitoring:  To protect the river from  harmful industrial discharges.
  • River-Front Development:  Creating  public spaces  along the river to promote community engagement and tourism.
  • Biodiversity : Enhancing the river's  ecological health  and supporting diverse biological communities.
  • Public Awareness:  Educating citizens about the importance of  river conservation.
  • Ganga Gram:  To develop the villages located along the main stem of river Ganga as  model villages.
• Integrated Mission Approach:  It emphasises the linkage of  economic development with ecological improvement,  showcasing a commitment to sustainable growth.
  • Clean energy, waterways,  biodiversity conservation, and  wetland  development are identified as priority areas for ongoing and future initiatives.

SOURCE

Taxonomy

• River Studies
• Performance Benchmarking of River
• River Engineering
• River Basin management
• River Restoration
• River Engineering