National Mission for Clean Ganga achieves 70% sewage treatment capacity
March 2024
The Namami Gange Programme has made significant progress in creating sewage treatment infrastructure along the Ganga river system. This development represents a major milestone in India's largest river cleaning initiative, with 157 sewage treatment plants now operational. The achievement demonstrates the government's commitment to the 'Aviral Dhara' (continuous flow) and 'Nirmal Dhara' (clean flow) objectives. However, challenges remain in ensuring 100% treatment of sewage and preventing fresh pollution sources. The success metrics include reduction in BOD levels at several monitoring stations and improvement in water quality parameters.
UPSC Angle: Expected questions on effectiveness of government schemes, comparison with previous Ganga Action Plans, role of technology in pollution control, and challenges in river rejuvenation projects