State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 06 Jun 2025

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. 

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.