The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has taken a major step in safeguarding India’s rivers and aquatic life with the approval of new projects at its 58th Executive Committee meeting. Chaired by Director-General Shri Rajeev Kumar Mital, this meeting introduced significant initiatives focused on biodiversity conservation and water quality improvements for rivers like the Ganga and its tributaries.
One of the major projects includes a comprehensive environmental flow assessment for the Chambal, Son, Damodar, and Tons rivers, with a budget of Rs. 11 crore. This project aims to analyze these rivers’ natural flow patterns and hydrology, providing insights into preserving water quality and supporting biodiversity in these ecosystems.
In a landmark move, a specialized project aimed at protecting the endangered Ganges River Dolphin has been approved. With an estimated budget of Rs. 1 crore, the initiative includes the creation of a “Dolphin Ambulance,” a dedicated rescue vehicle to assist stranded dolphins, along with community awareness and training programs to boost conservation efforts.
Conservation efforts were further expanded to safeguard endangered turtles in the Ganga basin of Uttar Pradesh. This project aims to rehabilitate and reintroduce several threatened turtle species and establish a monitoring tool within the National Chambal Sanctuary, backed by Rs. 78.09 lakh.
Additional projects to improve wastewater treatment have also been greenlit. In Kolkata, the Keorapukur Septage Treatment Plant will undergo extensive upgrades, raising its budget to Rs. 114.27 crore. Meanwhile, Bardhaman in West Bengal will see the development of a 50 KLD Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant with an enhanced budget of Rs. 10.35 crore, reinforcing local sanitation infrastructure.
Finally, a third season of the popular travel series “Rag-Rag Mein Ganga – Ek Jeevan Dhara” was approved to promote ecological awareness and conservation efforts, highlighting the river’s importance and cultural heritage. This series, costing around Rs. 6.25 crore, will be broadcasted on Doordarshan, offering an in-depth look at Ganga’s conservation journey.
These initiatives represent a comprehensive approach by NMCG to ensure that river ecosystems are protected for future generations.