Significant Progress in Ganga River Clean-up Under NGM Phase II
The Namami Gange Mission (NGM) Phase II has made remarkable strides in cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga river, with 25 new sewage treatment plants (STPs) operational as of December 2025. These projects collectively boast a treatment capacity of 530 million liters per day (MLD), contributing to an impressive total sewage treatment capacity of 3,977 MLD created under the program.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 112 monitoring locations across five Ganga main-stem states—Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal—track the water quality of the river. Data from 2018 to 2025 indicates marked improvements in pollution levels in different stretches of the river.
State-wise Progress on Pollution Levels
A comparison of polluted stretches reveals significant changes:
- Uttarakhand: Previously polluted stretch from Haridwar to Sultanpur has been eliminated.
- Uttar Pradesh: The stretch from Kannauj to Varanasi has seen partial improvements, with new polluted stretches identified from Bijnor to Tarighat.
- Bihar: The river from Buxar to Bhagalpur still faces some pollution, but attempts are underway.
- Jharkhand: No monitored polluted stretches reported.
- West Bengal: Improvements noted, with a shift from a previously polluted area to a new stretch from Baharampore to Diamond Harbour.
Water Quality and Biodiversity Insights
Recent water quality assessments indicated that the pH and dissolved oxygen levels across the Ganga meet bathing standards at all monitored locations. However, some areas in Uttar Pradesh still face challenges related to biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), impacting water quality.
The biological water quality monitoring conducted in the last years shows a healthy range from good to moderate across various locations along the Ganga and its tributaries, highlighting a vibrant aquatic ecosystem supportive of diverse species.
Incorporating biodiversity conservation, NGM Phase II aims to protect and restore aquatic life. Collaboration with organizations such as the Wildlife Institute of India is underway for targeted interventions focused on endangered species like the Gangetic Dolphin and various fish.
Targeted Conservation Efforts
Significant steps have been taken to further enhance local biodiversity. This includes the establishment of biodiversity parks and numerous afforestation projects covering over 33,024 hectares. The mission has also successfully ranch 160 lakh Indian Major Carp fingerlings since 2017, supporting both ecological balance and local fisheries-dependent communities.
The central government remains committed to addressing pollution in the Ganga and its tributaries, continuously supporting state governments through financial and technical assistance under the NGM. The Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Raj Bhushan Chaudhary, outlined these achievements in a recent Lok Sabha session, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to clean water resources.
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