The Ganges River, often referred to as the lifeline of India, holds immense cultural, spiritual, and economic significance. However, over the years, it has become one of the most polluted rivers in the world. The primary sources of pollution include untreated sewage, industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and religious offerings. The river’s pollution poses severe health risks to millions of people who rely on it for drinking water, bathing, and irrigation.
Causes of Pollution
The Ganges flows through densely populated regions, and a significant portion of the pollution comes from domestic sewage. Many cities along the river lack adequate sewage treatment facilities, leading to the direct discharge of untreated waste into the river. Industrial waste from tanneries, chemical plants, and textile mills further exacerbates the problem. Agricultural runoff containing pesticides and fertilizers also contributes to the river’s pollution. Additionally, religious practices, such as the immersion of idols and the disposal of ritualistic items, add to the contamination.
Namami Gange Mission
In response to the alarming levels of pollution, the Indian government launched the Namami Gange Mission in 2014. This ambitious program aims to rejuvenate the Ganges by addressing pollution sources, promoting sustainable practices, and involving local communities in conservation efforts. The mission’s objectives include the construction of sewage treatment plants (STPs), river surface cleaning, afforestation, and public awareness campaigns.
Achievements and Successes
The Namami Gange Mission has made significant strides in improving the river’s health. As of 2025, the program has completed 127 projects and constructed 152 STPs, creating a sewage treatment capacity of 3,446 million liters per day (MLD). This capacity surpasses the pre-2014 levels by over 30 times1. The program has also successfully intercepted and diverted numerous drains that previously discharged untreated sewage into the river.
One of the notable achievements of the mission is the improvement in water quality in key stretches of the Ganges. For instance, the stretch from Kannauj to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh has seen a significant reduction in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels, indicating improved water quality. Similarly, the stretch from Buxar to Bhagalpur in Bihar has shown marked improvements.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite the progress, the Namami Gange Mission faces several challenges. The program has been criticized for delays in project implementation and underutilization of allocated funds. As of December 2024, only 45% of the total allocated funds had been spent2. Additionally, some completed STPs are not fully operational, and many drains continue to discharge untreated sewage into the river.
Conclusion
The Namami Gange Mission represents a significant effort to address the Ganges’ pollution problem. While the program has achieved notable successes in improving water quality and increasing sewage treatment capacity, challenges remain. Continued efforts, efficient utilization of funds, and active community participation are essential to ensure the long-term success of the mission and restore the Ganges to its pristine glory.