The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) on Monday announced the approval of several key research and infrastructure projects aimed at bolstering scientific management and pollution abatement across the Ganga basin. The decisions were taken during the 67th executive committee (EC) meeting, chaired by NMCG Director General Rajeev Kumar Mital, with a focus on data-driven planning, climate resilience, and the rejuvenation of both the Ganga and Yamuna rivers.

Research-Led Initiatives

A major highlight of the meeting was a strong emphasis on research-driven interventions, marking a shift toward integrating advanced modelling, artificial intelligence tools, and high-resolution datasets into river restoration planning. Senior officials from the Department of Water Resources and representatives from participating states attended the meeting, which approved a series of studies to deepen scientific understanding of the Ganga basin.

Among the approved research initiatives is a ₹3.98 crore study by the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, on glacier retreat and melt-runoff changes in the Upper Ganga Basin. The study will assess risks linked to flash floods and glacial lake outburst floods, providing critical insights for disaster preparedness and climate-resilient planning.

The EC also sanctioned a high-resolution SONAR-based bathymetric survey covering 1,100 km of the Ganga from Bijnor to Ballia. The survey will enhance sediment management, improve environmental-flow assessments, and support long-term river restoration strategies.

A ₹242.56 lakh project was approved for managed aquifer recharge along paleochannels in the Ganga-Yamuna Doab region. This initiative aims to strengthen groundwater security in the area between Kaushambi and Kanpur, addressing long-term water scarcity concerns.

In addition, a ₹3.31 crore project will develop a Digital Twin and Water Cycle Atlas for the Ganga basin, enabling simulation-based river management and scenario planning. Another ₹2.62 crore project will create a geospatial database of historical maps to track changes in river morphology and floodplains over decades, facilitating data-driven decision-making.

Pollution-Abatement Projects

On the infrastructure front, the EC approved a ₹361.86 crore project to intercept and divert drains and construct new sewage treatment plants (STPs) for cleaning the Mahananda River in Siliguri, West Bengal. The project includes 25 interception and diversion structures, two STPs with capacities of 27 MLD and 22 MLD, and an extensive network of rising mains and pumping stations. Implementation will follow a hybrid annuity-based public-private partnership (PPP) model.

To support the rejuvenation of the Yamuna in Delhi, the committee cleared a project for conveying treated sewage from the coronation pillar STP to the river. The plan involves tapping untreated flows from the Jahangirpuri drain, constructing new pumping stations, laying rising mains and reinforced concrete channels, and installing truss bridges for drain crossings to ensure safe discharge of treated effluent.

Public Outreach and Youth Engagement

Recognizing the importance of public participation, the EC also approved the ‘Youth for Ganga, Youth for Yamuna’ initiative. This program aims to engage over 2.5 lakh students across 200 schools in the Delhi-NCR region. The initiative seeks to foster environmental awareness, encourage citizen participation in river protection, and build a sense of stewardship among young students for the long-term sustainability of the river systems.

Strategic Vision for River Management

The 67th EC meeting reflects NMCG’s broader strategy to integrate scientific research, infrastructure development, and community engagement for holistic river basin management. By combining advanced monitoring techniques, historical data analysis, and targeted pollution control measures, the mission aims to address both immediate pollution challenges and long-term ecological risks.

The NMCG’s emphasis on high-tech approaches such as SONAR-based surveys, Digital Twins, and geospatial mapping is designed to support predictive and adaptive management of the Ganga basin. Such tools will enable authorities to monitor sediment transport, riverbed changes, and water quality in near real-time, providing actionable insights for policymakers and planners.

The meeting also highlighted climate resilience as a key focus. Projects like glacier melt-runoff studies and managed aquifer recharge are expected to enhance the basin’s preparedness against climate-induced hazards such as floods, droughts, and water scarcity. This approach aligns with the government’s larger vision of sustainable river management under changing environmental conditions.

Conclusion

The approvals at the 67th executive committee meeting signify a major push toward modern, science-driven river management. By combining infrastructure development, pollution control, and youth engagement with cutting-edge research, the NMCG aims to create a sustainable, resilient, and citizen-inclusive approach to rejuvenating India’s rivers. The integration of advanced technologies, data analytics, and public participation represents a comprehensive strategy to address both current pollution issues and long-term ecological sustainability in the Ganga and Yamuna river basins.