On 21st May, 2025, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) held its 63rd Executive Committee meeting, marking a significant step towards the rejuvenation of the Ganga and its tributaries. The meeting, centered on sustainability and innovation, approved several projects aimed at improving water quality, promoting sustainable urban water management, and restoring the Ganga basin ecosystem.
Agra Sewerage Infrastructure Project
Enhancing Urban Water Management
One of the key approvals was a sewage management project in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, with a budget of ₹126.41 crore. This project, based on the Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) model, includes the construction of 40 interception and diversion structures, 21.20 kilometers of sewer lines, and 8 modern pumping stations. Additionally, trash screens will be installed in 5 major drains to prevent pollution, ensuring a long-term solution for water source protection in this historic city.
Environmental Flow Assessments
Promoting Sustainable River Ecosystems
The committee greenlit two significant projects to assess environmental flow in the Ganga’s tributaries. The first, with a budget of ₹6 crore, focuses on the Kosi, Gandak, and Mahananda rivers, while the second, costing ₹8 crore, targets the Ghaghara and Gomti river basins. These projects, spanning three years, aim to develop sustainable and adaptive flow regimes to ensure the ecological health of these rivers for future generations.
Johkasou Technology for Wastewater Treatment
Innovative Solutions for Sewage Management
Another key approval was a project to monitor the effectiveness of Johkasou technology and other compact plug-and-play technologies for domestic wastewater treatment. This initiative aims to strengthen the quality and sustainability of on-site sewage treatment systems, aligning with the mission’s focus on innovative technical solutions.
Conservation of Asan Wetland
Protecting Biodiversity
The meeting also approved a project for the conservation and management of the Asan Wetland, a Ramsar site in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, with a budget of ₹2.47 crore over two years. This initiative focuses on rejuvenating the biodiversity and ecological health of the wetland through the development of wetland inventory, assessment systems, and conservation measures.
| Project | Details | Budget | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agra Sewerage Project | 40 I&D structures, 21.20 km sewer lines, 8 pumping stations | ₹126.41 crore | Long-term (DBOT model) |
| Environmental Flow (Kosi, Gandak, Mahananda) | Assessment of river flow regimes | ₹6 crore | 3 years |
| Environmental Flow (Ghaghara, Gomti) | Assessment of river flow regimes | ₹8 crore | 3 years |
| Asan Wetland Conservation | Biodiversity and ecological restoration | ₹2.47 crore | 2 years |
| Johkasou Technology | Wastewater treatment monitoring | Not specified | Ongoing |
Significance of the NMCG Initiatives
A Blend of Tradition and Technology
The 63rd NMCG meeting was a milestone in the Namami Gange Mission, combining tradition, modern technology, and public participation to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Ganga and its tributaries. These projects not only address immediate environmental challenges but also set a precedent for sustainable development and ecological restoration across India.
Relevance for Competitive Exams
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
For students preparing for competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, or State PSC, the outcomes of the NMCG meeting are highly relevant under topics like environmental conservation, water management, and current affairs. Aspirants should note:
- The role of NMCG in the Namami Gange Mission for Ganga rejuvenation.
- The significance of environmental flow assessments for sustainable river management.
- The application of DBOT model in infrastructure projects like the Agra sewerage project.
- The conservation of Ramsar sites like the Asan Wetland for biodiversity protection.
These initiatives highlight India’s commitment to environmental sustainability and infrastructure development, key areas in competitive exams.
Key Highlights
- The 63rd NMCG meeting on 21st May, 2025 approved key projects for Ganga rejuvenation.
- Agra sewerage project with a budget of ₹126.41 crore includes 40 I&D structures and 8 pumping stations.
- Environmental flow assessments for Kosi, Gandak, Mahananda (₹6 crore) and Ghaghara, Gomti (₹8 crore) approved.
- Asan Wetland conservation project in Uttarakhand allocated ₹2.47 crore for biodiversity restoration.
- Relevant for competitive exams under environmental conservation, water management, and current affairs.