Projects worth Rs 548 crore approved for Ganga conservation

Lucknow/New Delhi : The 61st Executive Committee meeting of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), chaired by NMCG Director General Shri Rajiv Kumar Mittal, was successfully held, giving momentum to the conservation and rejuvenation of the Ganga River. Several important projects dedicated to the rejuvenation of the river were approved during the meeting. These initiatives are not only concrete steps towards ensuring the purity of the Ganga but are also crucial for promoting sustainable development and preserving the rich environmental and cultural heritage of this sacred river.

During the meeting, the detailed project report related to interception, diversion, STP and other related works in Moradabad Zone-3 and Zone-4 for “Prevention of Pollution in Ramganga River” was approved. With an estimated cost of ₹409.93 crore, this ambitious project aims to make the Ramganga River pollution-free. Under this project, modern Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with capacities of 15 MLD in Zone-3 and 65 MLD in Zone-4 will be constructed. Additionally, five major drains will be intercepted and diverted. A 50 KLD septage co-treatment facility is also proposed under the plan to further enhance wastewater management. The project goes beyond construction—it includes operation and maintenance for the next 15 years to ensure long-term and sustainable impact.

Another key project approved in the meeting involves the “Interception and Diversion of 14 Untapped Drains in Kanpur City, Uttar Pradesh” at an estimated cost of ₹138.11 crore. This project will give a new direction to the city’s drainage and sanitation system. It aims to prevent untreated sewage from flowing directly into the river by diverting it through proposed sewage pumping stations and manholes to treatment plants. The plan also includes one year of operation and maintenance.

The Executive Committee also approved the development of a state policy and business model for the safe reuse of treated water, along with the creation of a podcast series for NMCG. This includes formulating policies for the safe reuse of treated water, developing a business model for Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and producing a podcast series titled “Namami Gange: Transforming India’s Lifeline.” The series will focus on raising awareness about NMCG’s initiatives, spreading knowledge, and encouraging the safe reuse of treated water.

Additionally, the Executive Committee approved the production of a special documentary film titled “Boats of the Ganga Basin: Riverine and Maritime Heritage.” This film will present the traditional wooden boat-making craft that has flourished for centuries in the Ganga Basin in a new light. It will delve into the cultural depth and historical significance of boat building in the region—not just the story of boats, but a vivid portrayal of the lives of the artisans whose hands have preserved this tradition across generations.

Once these initiatives are implemented, efforts to clean and rejuvenate the Ganga and its tributaries will gain renewed direction and momentum. These projects will not only help in pollution control and water conservation but also serve as milestones in preserving riverine heritage and developing sustainable water management systems. Through these initiatives, ecological challenges related to rivers can be addressed, ensuring a clean, healthy, and sustainable future for the communities that depend on them.