The 62nd Executive Committee Meeting of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) marked significant progress in sustainable river rejuvenation, focusing on key initiatives for wetland conservation and wastewater reuse.
NMCG’s Commitment to Ecosystem Restoration
Chaired by Shri Rajeev Kumar Mital, Director-General, NMCG, the meeting emphasized holistic river and environmental rejuvenation. Key discussions included conserving critical wetlands and promoting treated wastewater reuse through city-specific plans. The Namami Gange program, recognized as one of the Top Ten World Restoration Flagship Initiatives by the UN Decade (UNEP & FAO), continues to set global benchmarks in ecosystem restoration.
Conservation of NathmalpurBhagad Wetland
The committee approved the “Conserving and Sustainably Managing NathmalpurBhagad Wetland” project in Bhojpur, Bihar, with a budget of ₹3.51 crore. This marks the fifth wetland conservation project under Namami Gange, following initiatives at:
- Kalewada Jheel, Muzaffarnagar, UP
- Namiya Dah Jheel, Prayagraj, UP
- Reoti Dah Wetland, Ballia, UP
- Udhwa Lake (Ramsar Site), Sahibganj, Jharkhand
The NathmalpurBhagad project integrates biodiversity and ecosystem service values into river basin planning. It adopts a dual approach with interventions at the sub-basin (Ghaghara, Gomti, & Sone confluence) and site levels, including wetland delineation, hydrological enhancements, species conservation, ecological assessments, and capacity building.
Capacity Building for Water-Sensitive Cities
The EC also approved ₹34.50 lakh for the “Capacity Building Initiatives for Making Water-Sensitive Cities in the Ganga Basin” project. This initiative focuses on developing city-level reuse plans for treated wastewater in Agra and Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, aligned with the National Framework for Safe Reuse of Treated Water (SRTW).
Namami Gange: Launched in 2014, it is a flagship program under the Ministry of Jal Shakti aimed at cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga River through integrated conservation measures. It is a critical topic for UPSC and other competitive exams.
Why It Matters
These approvals underscore NMCG’s dedication to integrated water management and environmental restoration, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable Ganga ecosystem. Such initiatives are vital for aspirants preparing for exams, as they reflect India’s environmental policies and sustainable development goals.
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