Namami Gange Programme

The Namami Gange Programme is an integrated river management initiative approved as a Major Programme by the Union Government of India in June 2014. With a budget of ₹22,500 million for the period of 2023–26, it aims to reduce pollution and support the conservation and rejuvenation of the Ganges River. Additionally, a goal of the initiative is to engage with the public while connecting various interest groups including scientists, technology companies, investors, and community members.

The National Mission For Clean Ganga has declared Chacha Chaudhary, as the mascot of the Namami Gange Programme, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Under the Namami Gange Programme, all drains falling into the Saryu River in Ayodhya are intercepted and wastewater is being transported to a sewage treatment plant.

History

A Clean Ganga roadshow, inaugurated on the sidelines of COP26 in Glasgow, contributed to the formation of four chapters in Scotland, Wales, the Midlands, and London to connect various interest groups with the Namami Gange Programme. Over 30,000 fish eggs of economically important species, which are declining in the Ganges, such as catla, rohu, and mrigal, were released at the confluence of the Ganges and the Yamuna in Prayagraj Sangam.

Data from the National Mission for Clean Ganga indicates that out of 515 projects, 344 (43%) have been completed, with a majority of these projects related to sewage infrastructure. 138 out of 218 sewage projects (39%) have been completed.

During the launch of the MV Ganga Vilas cruise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, “Ganga ji is not just a river, and we are taking a twin approach through Namami Gange and Arth Ganga to serve this water resource.”

The efforts towards conservation of the Ganges and restoration of its ecology have been referenced by UNESCO, which included the National Mission for Clean Ganga, among global campaigns for contributions to ecological restoration.