ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

THE GANGA ACTION PLAN

The Ganga, often referred to as the lifeline of India, holds immense cultural,
religious, and ecological significance. However, over the years, rampant pollution
and unchecked human activities have severely degraded the river's water quality.
To address this pressing issue, the Government of India under the leadership of
Shri Rajeev Gandhi, India's then-Prime Minister, initiated the Ganga Action Plan
(GAP) in 1985.
The Ganga Action Plan Phase I (GAP I) was the government's first attempt to clean
the Ganga River. Based on a 1984 CPCB survey, the plan estimated sewage
generated from 25 Class I towns at 1340 million liters per day. Due to resource
constraints, only 882 mld of pollution abatement works were undertaken. 261
projects were sanctioned, with 259 completed and two sewage treatment plants
in Bihar in the final stage of completion. The GAP I was closed in 2000, with a
completion cost of Rs.452 crore, including the costs of Patna and Munger.
It was followed by The Ganga Action Plan Phase-II (GAP II), covering major
tributaries, Ganga and Yamuna Action Plans and the action plans for other
tributaries of Ganga, including Damodar and Gomti. The GAP 2 was extended to
other rivers of India under a separate scheme called- the National River
Conservation Plan (NRCP). After the launch of the NRCP in 1995, the Ganga Action
Plan Phase 2 was merged with it. The program now covers 34 rivers in 160 towns
across 20 states, focusing on pollution abatement.
While the Ganga Action Plan has made significant strides in mitigating pollution
and restoring the Ganga's ecological balance, numerous challenges persist. Some
of the notable achievements include the establishment of sewage treatment
plants, the reduction of industrial pollution, and the successful implementation of
riverfront development projects. However, challenges such as inadequate
infrastructure, encroachments, illegal mining, and the presence of untreated
industrial effluents continue to pose obstacles to the comprehensive rejuvenation
of the river.
To conclude it could be said that, the Ganga Action Plan represents a crucial
initiative undertaken by the Indian government to restore the pristine glory of the
Ganga River. Through its different phases, the plan has demonstrated progress in
reducing pollution and promoting sustainable river management practices.
However, the journey towards a cleaner Ganga is an ongoing process that requires
continuous efforts, technological advancements, and active participation from all
stakeholders. Sustained commitment, stricter enforcement of regulations, and the
integration of local communities' knowledge and engagement will be vital in
ensuring the long-term success of the Ganga Action Plan. Only by joining hands
and working collectively can we preserve the cultural and ecological heritage of
one of the India's most revered rivers.