Namami Gange Mission Phase II
Why in news?
In Q3 of FY 2025–26, five sewerage infrastructure projects became operational, adding significant capacity across states like Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Four STPs in Agra, Varanasi, and Unnao started operations earlier in January 2026, benefiting over 4.6 lakh residents by enhancing treatment for urban sewage.
About
Namami Gange Mission Phase II (2021–2026) is the extended phase of India’s flagship river rejuvenation program, focusing on pollution abatement, sewage treatment, and ecological restoration of the Ganga. By 2025, over 25 new sewage treatment plants (STPs) with a combined capacity of 530 million litres per day (MLD) were commissioned, raising the total treatment capacity to nearly 3,977 MLD across 173 STPs.
Key Features of Namami Gange Mission Phase II
- Timeline: Extended until March 2026 as Namami Gange Mission 2.0.
- Objective: To effectively abate pollution and rejuvenate the Ganga and its tributaries.
- Approach: Integrated conservation mission combining infrastructure, ecological restoration, and community participation.
- Implementation Models: Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) and Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) for long-term efficiency.
Major Infrastructure Achievements
- 2025 Commissioning:
- 25 STPs operationalized across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Delhi.
- Added 530 MLD capacity, bringing total to 3,977 MLD.
- 2025–26 Q3 Update:
- 5 new sewerage projects operationalized in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
- Total STPs commissioned under Namami Gange now 173 plants.
Ecological & Social Components
- River Surface Cleaning: Deployment of trash skimmers to remove floating waste.
- Afforestation: Plantation drives along the Ganga basin to restore biodiversity.
- Public Awareness: Ganga Praharis (volunteers) mobilized for community-led conservation.
- Industrial Pollution Control: Strict monitoring of effluent discharge from industries.
Phase I vs Phase II
| Aspect |
Phase I (2014–2020) |
Phase II (2021–2026) |
| Focus |
Initial infrastructure, awareness |
Expansion, efficiency, ecological restoration |
| STP Capacity |
~2,500 MLD |
~3,977 MLD (as of 2025) |
| Projects |
100+ STPs |
173 STPs commissioned |
| Funding |
₹20,000+ crore |
Continued with HAM/DBOT |
| Extension |
Till 2020 |
Till March 2026 |
Challenges & Risks
- Urban Sewage Load: Rapid urbanization in Ganga basin cities continues to add untreated sewage.
- Industrial Compliance: Ensuring industries adhere to zero liquid discharge norms.
- Maintenance & Sustainability: Long-term operation of STPs requires strong monitoring and funding.
- Community Engagement: Sustained public participation is critical for success.
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