Namami Gange Programme

Quick facts 

• Purpose: Ganga Rejuvenation i.e. ensuring "Aviral Dhara" (Continuous Flow), "Nirmal Dhara" (Unpolluted Flow"), Geologic and Ecological Integrity
• Type: Central Sector Scheme
• Implementing Agency: National Mission for Clean Ganga
• External assistance: World Bank is funding the projects through loan approved for a period of 5 years up to 2026.

Objectives

• Ensure effective abatement of pollution and rejuvenation of the river Ganga by adopting a river basin approach to promote inter-sectoral co-ordination for comprehensive planning and management.
• To maintain minimum ecological flows in the river Ganga to ensure water quality and environmentally sustainable development.

Salient features 

Background: It is an integrated conservation mission approved by the Union Government in 2014 with a budget of ₹20,000 crore. Its twin objectives are pollution abatement and the conservation and rejuvenation of the National River Ganga. Key Pillars: Refer the infographic. Key Strategy:  Comprehensive integrated programme Non-lapsable fund Hybrid Annuity based PPP model adopted 5 years dedicated Budget allocation Operation and Maintenance (O&M) cost for 15 years included Ganga rejuvenation incorporates   Jan Ganga: To enhance public awareness, promote people river connect, large scale participation and involvement of community and common masses.  Nirmal Ganga Aviral Ganga Gyan Ganga NMCG: NMCG was registered as a society in 2011 under Societies Registration Act, 1860. It acted as implementation arm of National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA).  NGRBA was constituted under provisions of Environment (Protection) Act (EPA), 1986. Centre for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies (cGanga): Acts in the capacity of a comprehensive think-tank to the NMCG Established at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IITK) in 2016. Collects data and disseminate knowledge and information for the sustainable development of Ganga River Basin. cGanga in collaboration with NMCG organises India Water Impact summit annually. Sustainable and Eco-Agriculture Developing sustainable agri-scapes in the basin and improving water use efficiency.  Promoting organic and natural farming in Ganga Grams. Launched in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare. Ganga Praharis Ganga Praharis are self-motivated individuals who will mobilize others in Ganga conservation efforts.  They are being trained for ecological monitoring of Ganga river and its biodiversity, tree plantation techniques, awareness, etc. River front development: Construction of Ghats & Crematoria on the banks of river Ganga. Clean Ganga Fund (CGF): Non-Lapsable Fund Legal status: Registered under Indian Trust Act and chaired by the Union Finance Minister. Part of CSR: Contribution to the fund is a notified Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity under the Indian Companies Act, 2013. Incentives for contribution: Exempted from Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA); Eligible for 100% tax deduction under Section 80 G of the Income Tax.  Mapping initiatves:  Geographical Mapping Survey of India facilitates the Ganga Rejuvenation task by using LiDAR (Light Detection & Ranging) & GIS technology. Mapping of about 45,000 sq. km area covering 5 major states namely UK, UP, JH, BH, and WB. Cultural Mapping: Documentation of Tangible, Intangible and Built Heritage along River Ganga in partnership with INTACH. Microbial Mapping: GIS-based Mapping of Microbial Diversity across the Ganges for Ecosystem Services.  Urban River Management Plan (URMP):  Developed by National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and NMCG.  To maintain the wholesomeness of the urban rivers in the Ganga river basin. Arth Ganga Aim: To garner people's participation for Ganga conservation by promoting sustainable development.  Seeks to use economics to bridge people with the river.  It will ensure contribution of about 3% to the GDP from Ganga Basin. Ganga Gram Yojana Aim: To develop the villages located along the main stem of river Ganga which have historic, cultural, and religious and/or tourist importance Encompass comprehensive rural sanitation, development of water bodies and river ghats, construction/ modernization of crematoria, etc. Continuous Learning and Activity Portal (CLAP) An interactive portal that is working towards initiating conversations and action around the rivers in India. Funded and supported by the World Bank. PRAYAG Platform PRAYAG stands for Platform for Real-time Analysis of Yamuna, Ganga and their Tributaries Prayag is a real time monitoring centre for planning and monitoring of projects, river water quality, etc. through various online dashboards such as Ganga Tarang Portal, Ganga Districts Performance Monitoring System, etc. Launched under the ambit of Namami Gange Programme.