7th Ganga Utsav Celebrated to Promote River Rejuvenation

On 4^th November, 2023, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) hosted the 7th edition of Ganga Utsav.

Key Points

Fostering a Connection with the Ganga: Ganga Utsav is a platform organized by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) to promote a deeper connection between people and the Ganga, as well as to create awareness about river rejuvenation.
The Ganga's Profound Significance: Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti, emphasized that the Ganga represents more than just a river; it embodies a profound emotion that resonates with people.
A Multifaceted Celebration: Ganga Utsav 2023 featured a vibrant fusion of music, dance, knowledge, culture, and dialogue to celebrate the Ganga and its significance in the region.

About NMCG

Formation as a Society: NMCG was established as a society on August 12, 2011, under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
Implementation Arm: Initially, it served as the implementation arm of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA), which was constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Transition: NGRBA was dissolved in 2016 and replaced by the National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection, and Management of River Ganga.

Objectives

Primary Objective: NMCG's main objective is to reduce pollution and ensure the rejuvenation of the Ganga River.
Namami Gange Programme: The coveted Namami Gange Programme, an integral part of NMCG, is aimed at cleaning the Ganga.
This involves promoting intersectoral coordination for comprehensive planning and management, maintaining minimum ecological flow in the river, and ensuring water quality and environmentally sustainable development.

Organizational Structure

Five-Tier Structure: The Act outlines a five-tier structure at the national, state, and district levels for the prevention, control, and abatement of environmental pollution in the Ganga River. These tiers include:
- National Ganga Council chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
- Empowered Task Force (ETF) on river Ganga chaired by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti.
- National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
- State Ganga Committees.
- District Ganga Committees in specified districts along the Ganga and its tributaries.

Challenges Faced by NMCG

Land Acquisition Issues: Delayed commissioning of plants due to land acquisition problems.
Revised Project Reports: Some Detailed Project Reports needed revision, causing delays.
Lack of Local Initiatives: State Governments perceived the responsibility for building treatment plants as primarily the Centre's, impacting local waste management initiatives.
Funding Shortages: Despite being a Rs. 20,000 crore mission, only a portion of the approved funds have been released to states for infrastructure work, as of June 2023.
Municipal Solid Waste Management: Criticism for insufficiently addressing the problem of municipal solid waste flowing into the Ganga due to inadequate waste treatment infrastructure in many towns and cities along the river.
Inadequate Sewerage Coverage: A significant part of the urban population resides outside sewerage networks, resulting in waste not reaching Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs).
Improper Waste Disposal: Rubbish heaps near ghats in various towns along the river, as identified by a Quality Council of India study, indicate improper waste disposal practices, posing a cleanliness threat to the Ganga.