The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved several key sewerage and wastewater management projects as part of its efforts to conserve and rejuvenate the Ganga River. The projects, which include the interception and diversion of the Durga Drain in Varanasi, sewage treatment plants, and initiatives to prevent untreated sewage from entering tributaries like the Varuna River, aim to reduce pollution and enhance water quality. Other initiatives include public awareness programs and drone-based monitoring for afforestation along the Ganga River.

BulletsIn

• NMCG approved sewerage projects aimed at enhancing Ganga River conservation efforts.
• Major project in Varanasi involves intercepting and diverting the Durga Drain and constructing a 60 MLD sewage treatment plant.
• The Varanasi project, costing ₹274.31 crore, includes a 75 MLD pumping station and other infrastructure for effective sewage treatment.
• Another project in Bhadohi will prevent untreated sewage from entering the Varuna River, a Ganga tributary.
• The Bhadohi project, worth ₹127.26 crore, will establish three sewage treatment plants (STPs) and a new sewer network.
• The Bhadohi project will be implemented under the Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) model for long-term sustainability.
• NMCG also approved a literary project, “Ganga Through the Ages – A Literary Bioscope,” in collaboration with the National Book Trust.
• The literary project will include community outreach programs, such as mobile libraries, workshops, and Ganga Awareness Week.
• A drone-based afforestation monitoring project in West Bengal will track the health of saplings planted along the riverbanks.
• These projects align with NMCG’s broader mission to improve wastewater management, reduce pollution, and engage the public in Ganga conservation.