The Government of India’s main project for the preservation and revitalization of the Ganga River, the Namami Gange Programme (NGP), was introduced in June 2014. The program’s budget was first set at ₹20,000 crore; however, it was later increased to ₹22,500 crore until March 2026. A total of 492 projects, totaling ₹40,121.48 crore, had been started in a variety of sectors by January 2025. Of these, the Ministry of Jal Shakti reports that 307 projects have been finished and put into service.

The development of sewage infrastructure has received a large portion of the funding; 206 sewage projects, totaling ₹33,003.63 crore, have been approved. Of these, 127 have been effectively finished, reducing pollutants and treating wastewater.

Key Projects in Pollution Control and Water Treatment

The Namami Gange Programme has given pollution control and extensive sewage treatment top priority. The Varanasi Sewage Project, which will cost ₹274.31 crore, will intercept and reroute the Durga Drain and feature a 60 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP). Long-term wastewater management is also being ensured by constructing a 75 MLD pumping station.

A project worth ₹127.26 crore is being carried out in Bhadohi to stop untreated sewage from entering the Varuna River, which is a Ganga tributary. This entails building a vast sewer network in addition to three STPs with capacities of 17 MLD, 5 MLD, and 3 MLD.

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has created a National Framework for Safe Reuse of Treated Water to support sustainable water management. To reduce reliance on freshwater resources, this program encourages states to enact laws allowing for the reuse of treated wastewater.

In Jajmau (20 MLD), Banther (4.5 MLD), and Mathura (6.25 MLD), three Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) are part of the efforts to address industrial pollution. The constructed CETPs in Mathura and Jajmau have reduced the amount of industrial waste being discharged into the Ganga.

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Biodiversity Conservation and Ecological Restoration

The program’s biodiversity and afforestation efforts also aim to restore the Ganga’s ecological health. Out of the 56 projects that have been started, 39 have been finished at an approved cost of ₹905.62 crore. A total of ₹398 crore has been spent to afforest about 33,024 hectares, increasing the amount of green space along the river.

Since 2017, 143.8 lakh fingerlings of Indian Major Carp (IMC) have been introduced into the Ganga to enhance aquatic biodiversity and assist fishing communities. To improve the ecosystem balance, NMCG has also approved projects to create seven biodiversity parks spread throughout Uttar Pradesh’s districts.

The government’s dedication to improving the Ganga’s health, cutting pollution, and guaranteeing sustainable river management for future generations is evident in these ongoing initiatives.

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