The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) approved eight projects worth around Rs 638 crore in its 48th meeting, according to a statement from the Ministry of Jal Shakti, as per a Mint report.

'Namami Gange Programme' is an integrated conservation mission, approved as a 'Flagship Programme' by the Union government in June 2014 with a budget of Rs 20,000 crore.

Through the mission, a wide range of interventions have been brought forward with a focus on cleaning the existing waste in the river stretches, while also introducing methods to reduce further degradation and pollution of the natural water resource.

This includes systems for wastewater treatment and solid waste management, with the aim of preventing any kind of untreated waste water being discharged into the river.

Further, owing to the importance of the river Ganga and its natural essence for the surrounding regions and populations, development of riverfronts, including ghats and crematoria are also proposed in various states.

Projects Approved By NMCG

As part of the Hindon Rejuvenation Plan, four pollution abatement projects worth Rs 407.39 crore have been approved in the Shamli district to clean the Hindon River, which is a tributary of River Yamuna.

The Hindon River is a Priority-1 polluted river stretch, and the sanctioned projects aim to prevent the flow of polluted water.

The Shamli district will witness four major projects, which include the construction of a 5 million litres per day (MLD) sewage treatment plant (STP) and a 5 KLD septage co-treatment facility.

It also includes works for interception and diversion (I&D) and other works in Babri and Bantikhera villages, and Banat Town.

The other two projects include a 40 MLD STP, a 20 KLD septage co-treatment facility, Interception & Diversion (I&D), and other works in Shamli town and a 10 MLD STP, 10 KLD septage co-treatment facility, interception and diversion, and other works in Thanabhawan town.

In preparation for the upcoming Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, slated for 2025, the executive committee has approved projects which involves the development of seven ghats in the area.

The ghats include the likes of Dashashmedh Ghat, Quila Ghat, Naukayan Ghat, Gyan Ganga Ashram Ghat, Saraswati Ghat, Maheva Ghat and Rasulabad Ghat.

Some of the amenities these ghats will offer include a bathing area, change room, universal access ramp, drinking water points and flood lights for night-time use.

During the meeting, the approval for two sewerage management projects was granted in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.

The Bihar project includes the construction of three STPs with capacities of 7 MLD, 3.5 MLD, and 6 MLD in Zones-1 and 2.

The total estimated cost of construction and other works is Rs 77.39 crore. This project intends to prevent the contamination of River Kiul, which is a tributary of Ganga.

The project in Madhya Pradesh was approved at a cost of Rs 92.78 crore to build a 22 MLD STP, 2.38 MLD common effluent treatment plant, and other facilities.

The project aims to prevent the flow of polluted water from the river into Kshipra, which is a sub-tributary of Yamuna.

Further, the Akhand Param Dham ghat project has been approved in Haridwar, Uttarakhand for Rs 2.12 crore.

The project will feature a kiosk for Ghat pe Haat activities, a yoga/meditation lawn, a handicap ramp, a promenade, and a platform for cultural and religious events.

Also read: Namami Gange: CPCB Assessment Indicates Progress For Ganga River Quality, As Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Content Reaches Acceptable Limits For Entire Stretch