Q15. Discuss the Namami Gange and National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) programmes and causes of mixed results from the previous schemes. What quantum leaps can help preserve the river Ganga better than incremental inputs?

Model Answer:

Introduction

The Ganga River holds immense cultural, ecological, and economic significance in India, yet it faces severe pollution challenges due to untreated sewage, industrial waste, and urbanisation. To address these, the Namami Gange Programme was launched in 2014 under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). This comprehensive initiative aims to rejuvenate the Ganga ecosystem through pollution abatement, conservation, and riverfront development. However, despite notable progress, previous schemes under NMCG have shown mixed results, highlighting the need for more transformative interventions.

Body

Namami Gange and NMCG Programmes

• Namami Gange Programme:
  • A flagship program with a budget of ₹20,000 crore aimed at reducing pollution and rejuvenating the Ganga basin.
  • Key projects include sewage treatment plants, riverfront development, afforestation, and rural sanitation improvement.
• National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG):some text
  • Established as the implementing body for Namami Gange, NMCG coordinates efforts across multiple stakeholders, including states and local agencies.
  • Focuses on sustainable river basin management through policy guidance, monitoring, and public awareness campaigns.

Causes of Mixed Results in Previous Schemes

• Inadequate Infrastructure and Funding Gaps:
  • Delays in setting up sewage treatment plants (STPs) and insufficient funding often hamper the program’s effectiveness.
• Coordination Challenges:
  • Multiple agencies and states involved create coordination challenges, leading to fragmented implementation and accountability issues.
• Urbanization and Industrial Pollution:
  • Rapid urbanisation and industrial waste, often unregulated, continue to pollute the Ganga, outpacing the progress made by cleanup efforts.
• Community Involvement:
  • Limited community engagement and awareness in some regions have led to a lack of local support, impacting long-term sustainability.

Quantum Leaps for Better Ganga Preservation

• Strengthening Infrastructure and Technology Integration: Leveraging advanced technologies like real-time monitoring, AI, and IoT can enhance the efficiency of STPs and pollution tracking.
• Decentralised Waste Management: Promoting decentralised sewage treatment at the village or town level can reduce pollution loads directly entering the river.
• Strict Regulatory Measures: Enforcing stringent regulations and penalties on industries and urban municipalities for waste disposal can drive better compliance.
• Enhanced Community Participation: Encouraging local communities to actively participate in preservation efforts through incentives, awareness, and education can promote sustained change.
• Economic Incentives and Eco-Tourism: Developing eco-tourism projects and providing economic incentives for clean practices can generate funds and encourage responsible behaviour.

Conclusion

The Namami Gange and NMCG initiatives have brought progress, yet substantial efforts are needed to achieve a lasting impact. Quantum leaps such as high-tech monitoring, decentralised waste management, strict regulation, and community involvement can transform Ganga preservation efforts from incremental improvements to a sustainable success story, safeguarding the river’s health for future generations.

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