Important Indian Schemes · Environment

Namami Gange Programme

An integrated conservation mission for the rejuvenation of the River Ganga.

Launched 2014 · Ministry of Jal Shakti · Implemented by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
Launched
2014
Implementing Body
NMCG
Ministry
Jal Shakti
Type
Flagship Programme

Overview

Namami Gange is the Government of India's flagship integrated programme launched in 2014 to accomplish the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution and conservation and rejuvenation of the River Ganga. With a multi-sectoral approach, it brings together various ministries and state governments to address pollution at its source, restore the ecological flow of the river, and revive the Ganga basin in a sustainable manner.

Key Objectives

  • Abate pollution in the River Ganga and its tributaries
  • Conserve and rejuvenate the national river through an integrated approach
  • Develop sewage treatment infrastructure in Ganga-basin towns
  • Restore the ecological flow ("Aviral Dhara") and water quality ("Nirmal Dhara")

Salient Features

The programme operates on multiple pillars, including sewage treatment infrastructure, river-front development, river-surface cleaning, afforestation, industrial-effluent monitoring, biodiversity conservation and public awareness. It is implemented by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and its state-level counterparts, the State Programme Management Groups, ensuring coordinated action across the basin.

Key Facts at a Glance

Launched 2014 (flagship programme)
Nodal Ministry Ministry of Jal Shakti
Implementing Agency National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
Key Goals Nirmal Dhara (clean water) & Aviral Dhara (continuous flow)
Main Pillars Sewage treatment, riverfront development, surface cleaning, afforestation, biodiversity
Governing Council National Ganga Council (headed by the PM)
EXAM FOCUS  Remember the launch year (2014), the implementing body (NMCG under Ministry of Jal Shakti), the twin goals of Nirmal Dhara & Aviral Dhara, and that the National Ganga Council is chaired by the Prime Minister.

Practice Questions

Five multiple-choice questions for revision

1. Namami Gange Programme is associated with the cleaning of which river?
a)Yamuna
b)Ganga
c)Godavari
d)Narmada
2. Namami Gange was launched in which year?
a)2012
b)2014
c)2016
d)2019
3. The implementing body of Namami Gange is:
a)NITI Aayog
b)National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
c)Central Pollution Control Board
d)National Water Authority
4. Namami Gange is implemented under which ministry?
a)Ministry of Environment
b)Ministry of Jal Shakti
c)Ministry of Rural Development
d)Ministry of Urban Affairs
5. The National Ganga Council is headed by the:
a)President
b)Prime Minister
c)Jal Shakti Minister
d)Chief Justice
Answer Key
1. (b) Ganga2. (b) 20143. (b) National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)4. (b) Ministry of Jal Shakti5. (b) Prime Minister