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Jharkhand’s Namami Gange Revolution

THE Project exemplifies a holistic approach to rejuvenating the Ganges River WHILE FocusING pollution abatement, ecological preservation, sustainable economic development, and community engagement, the PROJECTS blends innovative solutions and environmental consciousness to safeguard India’s most vital rivers.

Population growth, improved living standards, and urbanisation expose rivers to degradation. Mainly, untreated sewage discharge from riverside cities is the primary source of pollution.

The Ganga River spans 83 km in Jharkhand, passing through Sahibganj, Rajmahal, and a number of rural agglomerations, impacting nearly 11 million people. The Namami Gange Project in the state is led by UD&HD for urban waste management, supported by DW&SD for rural waste management, and WRD for river water management and related activities.

The goal is to prevent untreated domestic sewage and industrial effluents from entering the Ganges River and its tributaries. The state is dedicated to environmentally sensitive economic growth, with several initiatives under the Namami Gange Project addressing key pillars.

Nirmal Ganga

Addressing the Nirmal Ganga (pollution abatement) Pillar, the ideal approach to achieve the aforementioned goal is to prepare a complete and comprehensive system to capture and treat the entire volume of sewage generated in the city, which would flow through the drains into the rivers. To rapidly improve water quality in rivers, prevent untreated sewage from entering the river by stopping sources in rivers, diverting them through sewers to Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) for treatment, and allowing only treated water to enter the water bodies.

Under the DBOT model (Design, Build, Operate, and Transfer), both Sahibganj and Rajmahal have operational sewage treatment schemes (house connections, sewer networks, and I&D works on drains and STPs).

Similarly, the Dhanbad project, a 192 MLD I&D scheme using the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), is in the evaluation phase after receiving bids. Under HAM, the concessionaire handles planning, design, construction, and commissioning of the STP facility. The government covers 40 per cent of construction costs in installments, with the remaining 60 per cent borne by the concessionaire. During the operations period, the government makes Capex Annuity or O&M payments, but property ownership stays with the government.

The Municipal Solid Waste Management Project is combating unregulated dumping by implementing door-to-door waste segregation, regular road sweeping, and installing screens to prevent waste in drains.

Aviral Ganga

Under the Aviral Ganga (Ecology and Flow) Scheme, 214 water bodies in Jharkhand have been identified for rejuvenation. With no flow regulatory structures on the Ganga in the state, maintaining ecological flows is not a concern. The National Hydrology Project, led by the Government of India, is demarcating floodplain zones, and the Central Water Commission is developing advanced flood warning systems.

Arth Ganga

Arth Ganga, an extension of the Namami Ganga Project, introduces a novel economic development model—fostering a sustainable link between the river and its communities. Key elements include promoting natural farming along a 5-km strip on both sides of the Ganga, monetising treated water and sludge from sewage treatment plants, enhancing livelihoods, particularly for women, and boosting tourism and cultural heritage.

Arth Ganga aims to foster sustainable development by focusing on people’s participation, capacity building, and institutional development. The ultimate goal is to create an economic bridge connecting people with the Ganga, aligning with river revitalisation, involving communities in conservation efforts, and promoting overall sustainability.

Gyan Ganga

The Gyan Ganga Pillar oversees monthly water quality monitoring by the State Pollution Control Board, with results available on its website. Additional initiatives include high-resolution mapping of the Ganga, micro biodiversity studies, aquifer mapping, spring rejuvenation, cultural and climate scenario mapping, and river management plan development.

Jan Ganga

Historically, civilisations have thrived along riverbanks, and Jharkhand is no exception, with a significant People River supporting the Jan Ganga Pillar. The National Institute of Urban Affairs and the NMCG have created model frameworks and tools to promote river-sensitive city development. The ‘River Cities Alliance’ (RCA), launched in November 2021 by the Minister for Jal Shakti, focuses on networking, capacity building, and technical support across 14 cities for river-centric development.

The project aims to enhance livelihoods by reducing pollution in the Ganges River and its tributaries. It focuses on preventing domestic and industrial wastewater, addressing illegal waste dumping, and promoting sustainable economic development. The Arth Ganga project strengthens communities, encourages natural farming, empowers women, and promotes heritage tourism.