SDG Goal wise programs of India (SDG 6) – Part 20

SDG Goal wise programs of India (SDG 6) – Part 20

(இதன் தமிழ் வடிவத்திற்கு இங்கே சொடுக்கவும்)

National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)

Launched Year:

• 1995.

Ministry or Nodal Agency:

• Ministry of Jal Shakti (previously Ministry of Environment and Forests).

Objectives:

• To reduce the pollution load in rivers through the implementation of various pollution abatement works.
• To improve water quality in rivers by addressing pollution from municipal sewage and industrial effluents.
• To support the conservation of rivers by creating an eco-friendly environment around river banks.
• To ensure the sustainable management and rejuvenation of river ecosystems.

Beneficiaries:

• State Governments of India.
• Local municipal corporations and authorities.
• Communities living along polluted stretches of rivers.
• Industries and stakeholders involved in river conservation and pollution control.
• Citizens benefitting from improved water quality and access to better sanitation.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Proposals must be submitted by State Governments for projects aimed at pollution abatement of rivers.
• The projects should conform to NRCP guidelines regarding pollution status, river stretch priorities, and funding mechanisms.
• States must show commitment to bear a share of the capital cost and all operations and maintenance (O&M) costs.
• The degree of pollution in the river and the designated best use of the river stretch is considered.

Benefits:

• Significant reduction in pollution load entering rivers.
• Improvement in the overall water quality of rivers.
• Establishment of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and sewerage systems.
• Development of riverfronts and improved bathing ghats.
• Conservation and sustainable use of river water.
• Prevention of open defecation near riverbanks through Low-Cost Sanitation (LCS) Toilets.
• Energy conservation through Electric Crematoria and Improved Wood Crematoria.
• Active involvement in river conservation from both government bodies and citizens.

Additional Information:

• NRCP is a centrally funded scheme aimed at preventing river pollution.
• The main goal is to conserve rivers by reducing pollution and improving their water quality.
• River conservation programs are carried out under NRCP and NGRBA (National Ganga River Basin Authority).
• The National Ganga Council, which oversees the rejuvenation and management of the Ganga, has replaced the NGRBA.
• Under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP), the River Sal project in Goa was sanctioned by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.
• The aim of the plan is to prevent the pollution of rivers and improve water quality.

• The key activities under the NRCP, including the River Sal project, are as follows:

Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs):

• Sewage treatment plants are set up to treat the diverted sewage, helping reduce pollution entering the river and improving water quality.

Low-Cost Sanitation (LCS) Works:

• Low-cost sanitation facilities are constructed to prevent open defecation on riverbanks, reducing contamination of the river water with human waste.

Public Awareness and Public Participation:

• Efforts to raise public awareness and engage communities in river conservation play a crucial role in the success of the NRCP.
• Public participation is encouraged to ensure local ownership of the conservation process.

Electric Crematoria:

• Electric crematoria are established at cremation ghats to ensure proper cremation of bodies.
• This reduces the need for wood-based cremation, which helps minimize pollution and conserve wood.
• NRCP is a centrally sponsored scheme that operates on a cost-sharing basis between the Central and State Governments.
• The program covers polluted stretches of 34 rivers across 77 towns in 16 states.
• Under the NRCP, 2522.03 million liters per day (mld) sewage treatment capacity has been created.
• Projects may include pollution abatement works like interception and diversion of sewage, riverfront development, public awareness campaigns, and capacity building efforts.

Namami Gange Integrated Conservation Mission Programme

Launched Year:

• June 2014.

Ministry or Nodal Agency:

• Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
• State Program Management Groups (SPMGs).

Objectives:

• Abatement of Pollution: Reduce pollution levels in the Ganga River by improving sewage treatment capacity and wastewater management.
• Conservation & Rejuvenation: Conserve and rejuvenate the river’s water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem.
• Development of Infrastructure: Focus on developing sewage treatment infrastructure, riverfront development, and improving industrial effluent monitoring.
• Biodiversity Preservation: Enhance aquatic and riparian biodiversity, including the promotion of natural habitats.
• Public Awareness & Participation: Raise public awareness and encourage participation in river conservation activities.
• Economic Development: Sustainable development along the river through initiatives like the ‘Arth Ganga’ model, which focuses on economic activities related to Ganga.

Beneficiaries:

• People living in the Ganga River basin states (Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, etc.)
• Communities involved in activities like riverfront development, tourism, organic farming, etc.
• Wildlife and aquatic biodiversity, including the Ganga dolphin and aquatic species.

Eligibility Criteria:

• General public participation in awareness programs, afforestation, or biodiversity conservation.
• For infrastructure projects, eligibility is determined by the respective states and local authorities.

Benefits:

• Improvement in Water Quality: Improved sewage treatment plants and river cleaning measures contribute to better water quality in the river.
• Enhanced Biodiversity: Increased dolphin populations and conservation of aquatic life in the Ganga ecosystem.
• Economic Opportunities: The Arth Ganga model provides economic opportunities for communities through eco-tourism, natural farming, and sustainable business models.
• Cultural and Spiritual Value Preservation: The restoration and conservation of Ganga’s riverfronts and ghats help maintain the river's cultural significance.
• Public Awareness: Citizens, volunteers (Ganga Praharis), and local communities engage in cleaning, awareness campaigns, and afforestation activities.

Additional Information:

• The programme has a budget of ₹20,000 crore and is divided into multiple phases: short-term (entry-level), medium-term (5 years), and long-term (10 years).
• Under the programme, over 90 sewage treatment projects and riverfront development projects have been initiated across Ganga basin states.
• Special focus is given to reducing industrial effluent and wastewater disposal in the river, with monitoring and regulation mechanisms in place.
• In phase 2 (2021-26), efforts will focus on the completion of projects and enhancing the reuse of treated water.

National Perspective Plan (NPP) for Interlinking of Rivers

Launched Year:

• August 1980.

Ministry or Nodal Agency:

• Initially, Ministry of Irrigation (now Ministry of Jal Shakti).
• National Water Development Agency (NWDA) is responsible for the execution and planning of interlinking projects.

Objectives:

• To transfer surplus water from water-rich regions to deficit areas through a network of interlinking rivers.
• To improve irrigation facilities, ensure water security, and generate hydroelectric power.
• To reduce floods and droughts by balancing water distribution.
• To support industrial and domestic water supply, boost navigation, and create employment opportunities.

Beneficiaries:

• Agricultural sectors in water-scarce regions, particularly those dependent on surface and groundwater irrigation.
• The general population in areas facing extreme water stress (estimated 600 million people across India).
• Industries requiring consistent water supply.
• Transport sector, through the development of inland waterways.
• Regional populations prone to flooding or drought conditions.

Eligibility Criteria:

• States and regions that are facing water scarcity or drought conditions, particularly in the Peninsular and Himalayan components of India.
• States that are in agreement for water sharing and infrastructural cooperation.

Benefits:

Irrigation:

• Expected to benefit 35 million hectares of irrigation, comprising 25 million hectares through surface water and 10 million hectares from increased groundwater usage.

Hydropower Generation:

• A potential to generate around 34,000 Megawatts of hydropower.

Water Security:

• Increased availability of water for drinking, industrial, and agricultural needs, especially in drought-prone regions.

Inland Waterways:

• Development of canals for navigation, alleviating pressure on road and rail transport networks.

Disaster Management:

• Mitigating the adverse impacts of floods and droughts by ensuring better water distribution across regions.

Economic Development:

• Employment generation in construction, maintenance, and service sectors related to water distribution, navigation, and hydropower.

Additional Information:

• The NPP includes two main components: the Peninsular Component and the Himalayan Component.
• The Peninsular Component covers the interlinking of 16 rivers, including the transfer of water from Mahanadi, Godavari, and other rivers in southern India to water-scarce areas like Kaveri, Krishna, and Vaigai.
• The Himalayan Component focuses on the interlinking of 14 rivers, such as the Ganga and Brahmaputra, and their tributaries.
• The Ken-Betwa Link Project is the first major project under the NPP and was approved for implementation in 2021.
• The Government has formed several committees and task forces to oversee the implementation, including a Special Committee for Interlinking of Rivers and a Task Force for River Development.
• Funding for these projects is supported by various mechanisms, including NABARD under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).

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