Ambitious Sewerage Projects Approved for Ganga Rejuvenation

Why in the news?

The NMCG’s 59th Executive Committee meeting approved projects worth ₹537 crores for Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, aiming to enhance Ganga river rejuvenation through modern sewage treatment, eco-friendly waste management, and sustainable development initiatives.

Ambitious Sewerage Projects Approved for Ganga Rejuvenation

Key Approvals for Ganga Rejuvenation:

  • The 59th Executive Committee meeting of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), chaired by Shri Rajeev Kumar Mital, approved vital projects worth ₹272 crores for Uttar Pradesh and ₹257 crores for Bihar.
  • Chandauli Project (₹263 crores): A hybrid annuity model-based initiative to construct a 45 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant with 15 years of O&M support.
  • Manikpur Project (₹9 crores): Development of a 15 KLD Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant and 35 KW solar power facility for eco-friendly waste management over five years.
  • Buxar Project (₹257 crores): Construction of a 50 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant, a 1 MLD nature-based STP, three interception pumping stations, and an 8.68 km sewer network under the DBOT model.

Additional Initiatives in West Bengal

  • Approval for an Integrated Septage Treatment Plant in Uttarpara-Kotrung Municipality, West Bengal, costing ₹8 crores.
  • Includes a 22 KLD Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant based on the DBOT model with five years of O&M.
  • Aims to enhance sanitation infrastructure and support sustainable development in the region.

Key Facts About NMCG:

  • Role: Crucial for the rejuvenation and protection of the Ganga River.
  • Establishment: Registered on August 12, 2011.
  • Legal Framework: Initially under NGRBA, now under the National Ganga Council.
  • Structure: Two-tier management; headed by Director General.
  • Committees: Governing Council and Executive Committee.
  • Five-Tier Structure: Includes National Ganga Council, Empowered Task Force, NMCG, State Ganga Committees, and District Ganga Committees.

Namami Gange Programme:

  • Objective: Abatement of pollution and rejuvenation of the Ganga.
  • Launched: Approved in June 2014 with a ₹20,000 crore budget.
  • Key Areas:
  • Sewerage Treatment, River Surface Cleaning, Afforestation
  • Industrial Effluent Monitoring, River-Front Development
  • Biodiversity, Public Awareness, Ganga Gram (model villages)
  • Integrated Approach: Linkage of economic development with ecological improvement.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times