Funds Allocated and Water Quality Under NGM
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has released detailed information regarding the funds allocated and disbursed under the Namami Gange Programme from its inception in the financial year 2014-15 until June 30, 2025. The report highlights the state-wise allocation of funds and the progress made in water quality monitoring of the Ganga River. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the water quality data from 2022 to 2024 shows significant improvements, with most stretches of the river meeting the primary water quality criteria for outdoor bathing.
Funding Overview of the Namami Gange Programme
Since its launch, the Namami Gange Programme has seen substantial financial investment aimed at rejuvenating the Ganga River. The NMCG has allocated funds to various implementing agencies, including State Missions for Clean Ganga, with a focus on enhancing wastewater treatment infrastructure, riverfront development, and biodiversity conservation. The financial details reveal a steady increase in allocations over the years, with significant amounts disbursed to support various projects. For instance, in the financial year 2014-15, Rs. 2,053 crore was allocated, with Rs. 170.99 crore disbursed. By 2024-25, the allocation is set to reach Rs. 3,000 crore, reflecting the government’s commitment to the programme.
Water Quality Monitoring Results
The CPCB has conducted extensive water quality monitoring of the Ganga River, focusing on key parameters such as pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). The findings from 2022 to 2024 indicate that the river generally meets the primary water quality standards for outdoor bathing. Notably, while the overall water quality is satisfactory, there are some stretches in Uttar Pradesh that show marginal exceedance in BOD levels. Additionally, the data reveals that the Faecal Coliform and Faecal Streptococci criteria for bathing are met across various stretches of the river, particularly in Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
Appraisal by the Administrative Staff College of India
The Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) has been engaged as a Third Party Agency to evaluate the Namami Gange Mission. Their report highlights several key achievements, including significant improvements in wastewater treatment infrastructure and community engagement initiatives. The ASCI noted that the programme has successfully decentralized tasks among local bodies and stakeholders, fostering a collaborative approach to river rejuvenation. Furthermore, the report emphasizes that the mission has made notable progress in ensuring a continuous and unpolluted flow of the Ganga, establishing models that have garnered global recognition for their effectiveness.
Government’s Commitment and Future Plans
In a written response to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Textiles Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary provided insights into the ongoing efforts under the Namami Gange Programme. The government remains committed to enhancing the quality of the Ganga River through sustained funding and strategic interventions. The transition to the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system in 2022-23 is expected to streamline fund management and utilization. The report also notes that unspent grants amounting to Rs. 838.65 crore have been refunded by various implementing agencies, indicating a focus on accountability and efficient resource allocation. As the programme progresses, the government aims to continue its efforts in river rejuvenation and environmental conservation.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
