Ganga River Revitalization Meeting Highlights

Summary of the 19th Meeting of the Empowered Task Force for Ganga Rejuvenation

Date and Leadership:

• The 19th meeting of the Empowered Task Force (ETF) for Ganga Rejuvenation was held on July 2, 2026, chaired by Water Power Minister C.R. Patil.

Key Objectives:

• Review progress of the Namami Gange Programme.
• Focus on quick project implementation, treated wastewater reuse, groundwater management, and institutional coordination.

Participants:

• Key officials from various ministries, including the Ministry of Water Resources, Drinking Water and Sanitation, and the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), attended the meeting.

Project Statistics:

• A total of 524 projects have been approved under the Namami Gange Programme with an estimated cost of ₹43,031 crores.
• Out of these, 363 projects have been completed.
• 218 sewerage projects have been approved with a treatment capacity of 6,610 Million Liters per Day (MLD) and a sewer network of 5,233 kilometers.
• 145 sewerage projects completed, contributing 4,263 MLD treatment capacity and over 4,611 kilometers of sewer network.
• ₹21,550 crores have been spent to date, reflecting ongoing project implementation in Ganga basin states.

Recent Developments:

• In FY 2025–26, an additional 538 MLD sewer treatment capacity was added, bringing the cumulative capacity to approximately 4,260 MLD.
• The trial of the 100 MLD sewage treatment plant in Agra and operational status of the 55 MLD plant in Varanasi were praised.

Nature-Based Solutions:

• Emphasis on natural-based solutions for urban river management, including the review of constructed wetland systems in Delhi.

Biodiversity and Environmental Initiatives:

• Review of biodiversity conservation efforts, including fish species protection programs and the rescue of a Ganga dolphin.
• Increase in the number of Ramsar wetlands in the Ganga basin to 35, enhancing wetland and aquatic biodiversity protection.

Groundwater Management:

• Discussion on integrated planning for surface and groundwater systems to strengthen scientific river basin management.
• Development of standard operating procedures for engineered groundwater recharge was highlighted.

Wastewater Reuse:

• Focus on safe treated wastewater reuse (SRTW) with city-level reuse action plans (CLRAPs) for Agra, Prayagraj, and Varanasi, identifying reuse opportunities in thermal power, railways, urban green spaces, and irrigation.

Action Items:

• Ministers directed state departments and local bodies to expedite the implementation of identified reuse projects while ensuring compliance with quality standards.
• Emphasis on the need for continuous collaboration among central and state governments, urban local bodies, scientific institutions, and local communities for effective river conservation.

Conclusion:

• Minister C.R. Patil reiterated that the rejuvenation of the Ganga River is a shared national responsibility, requiring collective efforts to achieve the goal of a "clean and continuous Ganga" while ensuring long-term water security and ecological resilience in the Ganga basin.