Namami Gange Creates 4,263 MLD Sewage Treatment Capacity; 25 STPs Commissioned in 2025
According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Polluted River Stretch Report 2025, water quality in the Ganga has improved in several states. Uttarakhand's polluted stretch has been completely removed from the list, while pollution levels in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have declined, although some stretches in Bihar continue to remain polluted.
Under the Namami Gange Programme, 219 sewerage infrastructure projects worth Rs. 35,970 crore have been sanctioned to create a total treatment capacity of 6,610 MLD, of which 146 projects have already been completed. The programme has also commissioned two Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) at Mathura and Jajmau to reduce industrial pollution.
Bio-monitoring carried out during 2024-25 found the biological water quality of the Ganga and its tributaries to be largely 'Good' to 'Moderate', indicating improving river health and the ability to sustain aquatic biodiversity.
Biodiversity conservation has become a major component of the programme. Scientific surveys covering 7,680 km of river stretches documented 3,037 gharials, leading to the preparation of the National Gharial Conservation Action Plan. More than 6,800 aquatic animals have been rescued and rehabilitated, while 893 gharials, 711 freshwater turtles, and 1,899 turtle hatchlings have been released into their natural habitats. NMCG is also supporting conservation of the critically endangered Red-crowned Roofed Turtle.
Scientific assessments have recorded 215 fish species in the Ganga, and nearly 2.05 crore fish seeds, including Indian Major Carps, Mahseer and Hilsa, have been released to restore native fish populations. The programme has also developed seven Ganga Biodiversity Parks, undertaken afforestation across 33,024 hectares, and mobilised over 5,500 Ganga Praharis in 113 districts to strengthen community-led conservation.
Wetland restoration has also been expanded across Ganga basin states, with 20 wetlands recently notified in Uttar Pradesh. According to the 2024 River Dolphin Population Report, India is now home to an estimated 6,327 Gangetic Dolphins.
Published on:
07 August 2026
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