Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary informed Parliament that a total of 173 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) have been completed and are currently operational under the Namami Gange Programme as of January 2026.
He added that 8 more STPs have been completed, while one additional project is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026. The government is ensuring strict multi-level monitoring to achieve timely completion of ongoing projects.
Focus on Reducing Pollution in Ganga Basin
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is implementing a river basin-based approach to effectively reduce pollution and ensure the rejuvenation of the Ganga river.
The primary objective of the Namami Gange Programme is to:
- Reduce pollution in the main stem of the Ganga
- Protect and restore its major tributaries
- Ensure long-term ecological sustainability
Support for Revival of Tributaries and Smaller Rivers
To expand the scope of river cleaning, NMCG is also supporting state governments in restoring smaller rivers and tributaries within the Ganga basin.
This includes:
- Technical guidance for planning restoration projects
- Coordination with various departments
- Assistance in implementing suitable rejuvenation measures
Projects for Kali West and Hindon Rivers
According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, 8 sewage infrastructure projects with a total treatment capacity of 280 million litres per day (MLD) have been initiated for the rejuvenation of the Kali West and Hindon rivers.
These projects are expected to significantly improve water quality in these polluted river stretches.
Use of Advanced Technology for River Monitoring
The government has adopted advanced technologies to strengthen river basin management under the Namami Gange Programme.
Key initiatives include:
- Use of LiDAR, UAVs, and drone-based surveys
- Development of a drain dashboard for real-time monitoring
- Geo-tagging of pollution sources for better tracking
The dashboard enables state and district authorities to identify pollution sources, prioritize actions, and respond effectively.
Monitoring Environmental Flow of Ganga
The Government of India notified the minimum environmental flow (e-flow) for the Ganga river through a gazette notification dated October 9, 2018.
Since January 1, 2019, the Central Water Commission (CWC) has been monitoring e-flow compliance across 11 projects and submitting quarterly reports.
According to these reports, most projects are complying with e-flow norms. Necessary actions are taken in cases of non-compliance.
Strengthening Ganga Rejuvenation Efforts
The Namami Gange Programme continues to play a crucial role in improving water quality, restoring ecosystems, and ensuring sustainable river management through infrastructure development and technological interventions.
