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Namami Gange Mission
Why in News?
On World Environment Day 2025 (5th June, 2025), a special event under the Namami Gange Mission was held in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, focusing on ecological restoration, sustainable practices, and modern technology for river conservation.
Note: The Ganga rejuvenation programme was recognised as one of the world’s top 10 ecosystem restoration initiatives at the UN Biodiversity Conference in Montreal.
Key Points
- Key Highlights of the Event:
- Sewage and Pollution Control Measures:
- Sewage Treatment Plants across the Ganga basin are preventing untreated wastewater from entering the river.
- Strict action against polluters was emphasized, along with the critical role of community river guardians (Ganga Praharis).
- Promotion of Natural Farming:
- Natural farming was promoted to reduce chemical fertilizer use, improve soil health, and prevent runoff into rivers.
- Traditional bio-inputs were recommended to support sustainable agriculture and water conservation.
- Role of Technological Integration:
- Modern tools like drones and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) surveys are being used to identify pollution hotspots and track drains entering the river.
- A mobile library, Pustak Parikrama, was launched by the National Book Trust (NBT) to promote environmental awareness across rural and semi-urban areas.
- Ecological Restoration Actions:
- Fish fingerlings and turtles were released at Basi Ghat to restore aquatic life.
- The rescue centre for Gangetic dolphins and freshwater turtles plays a crucial role in conservation of endangered species.
- Tree Plantation and Afforestation:
- Several trees were planted under the “Ek Ped, Maa Ke Naam” initiative, reinforcing afforestation’s role in ecological balance.
- Sewage and Pollution Control Measures:
Namami Gange Programme
- About: It is a flagship programme for the rejuvenation of the Ganga River and its tributaries by reducing pollution, improving water quality, and restoring the river’s ecosystem.
- Implementation: Its implementation has been divided into Entry-Level Activities (for immediate visible impact), Medium-Term Activities (to be implemented within 5 years of time frame) and Long-Term Activities (to be implemented within 10 years).
- 8 Pillars of NGP:
- Key Interventions:
- Pollution Abatement (Nirmal Ganga): Setting up sewage treatment plants (STPs), reducing industrial and domestic waste discharge.
- Improving Ecology and Flow (Aviral Ganga): Restoring natural flow and biodiversity, implementing water conservation measures.
- Strengthening People-River Connect (Jan Ganga): Promoting community participation and awareness, involving local stakeholders in conservation efforts.
- Facilitating Research and Policy (Gyan Ganga): Supporting scientific research and studies, formulating evidence-based policies.
Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign
- About: It aims to honor mothers by encouraging tree planting in their names, combining environmental conservation with a tribute to motherhood, symbolizing how mothers, like trees, nurture and sustain life.
- It was launched by the Prime Minister on World Environment Day, 5th June, 2024.
- Objective: To promote environmental preservation, increase forest cover, and support sustainable development while honoring mothers.
- World Record Achievement: On 22nd September 2024, 128 Infantry Battalion & Ecological Task Force of the Territorial Army planted over 5 lakh saplings in one hour in Jaisalmer.