Context
The Ganga River plays a vital role in India’s ecology, economy, and culture. The Ganga Basin provides drinking water and supports the livelihood of around 500 million people. The basin contributes over one-third of India’s surface water and sustains the country’s largest cultivated land area.
Due to fragmented river governance and management of water resources, the Ganga and its tributaries are facing various challenges. Untreated or poorly treated domestic and industrial wastewater, along with pesticide- and insecticide-laden run-off, severely pollute the river, leading to environmental degradation and health risks. Additionally, the over-exploitation of natural resources and the growing effects of climate change worsen the situation.
Considering the significance of having a healthy river Ganga, the Government of India has launched the Namami Gange Programme that aims at implementing climate-friendly river basin approaches to promote intersectoral coordination for comprehensive planning and management.
Objective
Integrated river basin management of the Ganga is improved and applies international best practices.
