Doubtlessly the most important facilitator of the development of the eponymous Indo-Gangetic civilization, the Ganga river of today faces unprecedented stress due to rapid urbanization, population growth and industrialization. Climate change, escalating pollution, and outdated infrastructure aggravate these challenges.

River Ganga Basin Cities - Key Issues & Challenges

• Ganga basin has 2,009 statutory towns, with an urban population of 165.2 million, as per Census of India 2011 includes 100 + Class I cities, and at least 6 metropolitan cities including National Capital Territory of Delhi, state capitals Lucknow, Patna, Dehradun.
• Urban built-up area has increased approximately 44% from 10,512 sq. km. in 2005-06 to 15,138 sq. km.
• Widening water demand – supply across different sectors resulting several river stretches in river Ganga with non-existent flow and co-existence of overexploited aquifers and flooding in urban areas.
• Urban Lakes and ponds are deteriorating and being encroached impacting both quality and quantity of water in drains and rivers, and the incapability to manage moderate and extreme rainfall events.
• Inadequate sewage treatment (incl. conveyance) and reuse of treated wastewater.
• Lack of convergence in national / state / local programmes with Namami Gange Mission

Urban areas are losing their capacity to manage moderate and extreme rainfall events while citizens are losing their connection to rivers. Any improvement in the river and its basin health cannot achieved without addressing these issues and drivers in urban areas.

In order to restore Ganga to its primal glory, the Namami Gange Programme was launched in June 2014. The project has twin aims: rejuvenation of Ganga and abatement of pollution. To achieve the various objectives of the programme, integrated and comprehensive larger planning and conservation measures are needed.