A Presentation on Namami Gange to World Bank

A meeting was held on 5th August 2023 in Agra, Uttar Pradesh as part of a visit by the Executive Directors of the World Bank to understand the transformational impact of the Bank’s projects in the country. 

Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) Mr. G. Ashok Kumar gave a detailed presentation on Namami Gange to the Executive Directors of the World Bank from around the world. Mr. Auguste Kouame, Country Director, World Bank, India was also present on the occasion.

All about Namami Gange

‘Namami Gange Programme’, is an Integrated Conservation Mission, approved as ‘Flagship Programme’ by the Union Government in June 2014 with budget outlay of Rs.20,000 crores to accomplish the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution, conservation and rejuvenation of National River Ganga.

Namami Gange is premised on the five important pillars of – Nirmal Ganga (unpolluted river), Aviral Ganga (unrestricted flow), Jan Ganga (People’s Participation), Gyan Ganga (knowledge and research-based interventions) and Arth Ganga (people-river connect through the bridge of economy). 

The funding is also sourced from organizations like the World Bank, JICA, Asian Development Bank etc.

It is being operated under the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.

The increased sightings and thriving of aquatic species like Gangetic Dolphins and local fishes are indicative of improved water quality in the Ganga River.

• Gangetic River Dolphin is the National Aquatic Animal of India. It is locally called Susu. It has Endangered Status under IUCN Red List. 

• It is found in Upper Ganga River (Brijghat to Narora) in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Chambal River in the state of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, Ghaghra and Gandak River, in the state of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Ganga River, from Varanasi to Patna in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar respectively, Son and Kosi River in Bihar, Brahamaputra River from Sadia (foothills of Arunachal Pradesh) up to the Dhubri (Bangladesh Border), Kulsi River a tributary of Brahamaputra.

• The Gangetic Dolphins are generally blind and catch their prey in a unique manner. They emit an ultrasonic sound which reaches the prey. 

National Mission for Clean Ganga(NMCG) was registered as a society on 12th August 2011 under the Societies Registration Act 1860.It acted as implementation arm of National Ganga River Basin Authority(NGRBA) which was constituted under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act (EPA),1986.

NGRBA has since been dissolved with effect from the 7th October 2016, consequent to the constitution of the National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga (referred as National Ganga Council).

The National Ganga Council is chaired by the Prime Minister.