Namami Gange Programme (NGP), also known as the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), is an integrated river management initiative launched by the **Government of India** in June 2014. It aims to reduce pollution, conserve biodiversity, and rejuvenate the river Ganga and its tributaries across multiple states. [1] [2] The project spans eight states and has an allocated budget of approximately ₹20,000–22,500 crore (US $2.5–3 billion) from 2014 to 2026. [1] [3]
The NGP comprises multiple components aimed at restoring the river's health:
The initiative is overseen by the **NMCG**, under the **Ministry of Jal Shakti**, supported by State Programme Management Groups (SPMGs) and local agencies. [1] It employs a multi-tier governance structure with:
By mid-2020, approximately ₹30 billion had been spent on NGP initiatives. [2] However, several evaluations—e.g., by the **Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)** and the **National Green Tribunal (NGT)**—identified delays, underutilisation of funds, and incomplete STP infrastructure. [4] [2] Environmental groups such as **SANDRP** have criticized governance lacunae and questioned whether infrastructure projects alone can restore river flow and water quality. [4]
The programme has received international attention, including features at **COP26** in Glasgow, where it launched Roadshow events in the UK. Reports indicate a modest rise in ecological indicators, such as increased presence of river dolphins. [3] [5]