UP’s government has allocated new funds to enhance the Ganga’s restoration, focusing on sewage treatment and pollution control in key cities like Varanasi. The initiative, part of Namami Gange, aims to improve water quality by 2026, tackling untreated sewage and industrial waste. Challenges like slow expenditure and illegal activities persist, but progress in biodiversity and water quality offers hope.
UP’s New Push to Revive the Ganga
The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a fresh infusion of funds to bolster the restoration of the Ganga River, a lifeline for millions and a sacred symbol in India. This latest financial commitment, channeled through the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), targets critical areas such as sewage treatment, industrial pollution control, and riverfront management in cities like Varanasi, Kanpur, and Allahabad. As of June 2024, ₹37,550 crore has been sanctioned for Namami Gange projects, though only ₹18,033 crore has been spent, with Uttar Pradesh leading the efforts due to its extensive stretch of the river.
The new funds aim to address the persistent challenge of untreated sewage, which remains a significant pollutant. According to NMCG estimates, the five states along the Ganga—Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal—generate approximately 11,765 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage. Currently, treatment plants can handle 2,665 MLD, covering just 20% of the sewage load. The goal is to scale this capacity to 7,000 MLD by December 2026, ensuring no untreated sewage enters the river’s main stem.
In Varanasi, a key focus area, visible improvements have been noted. The river’s stretch, where millions of pilgrims bathe annually, appears cleaner, with reduced floating debris due to mechanized cleaning efforts, especially ahead of events like the G20 summit. However, challenges remain. Tributaries like the Assi and Varuna continue to function as sewage drains, carrying untreated waste into the Ganga. Local residents, like Janki Devi from Varanasi, highlight the lack of alternatives, with household waste often dumped directly into the river.
The funding also supports innovative initiatives under the Arth Ganga framework, introduced in 2019. This includes promoting natural farming to reduce chemical runoff, monetizing treated water for industrial use, and boosting local economies through tourism and cultural events like Ganga aartis. Over 3,000 farmers in the Ganga basin have been engaged to adopt eco-friendly practices, while projects like Ghaat Mein Haat aim to promote local products and livelihoods.
Despite progress, concerns linger. The NMCG has flagged slow expenditure, with Uttar Pradesh officials citing delays in fund disbursal as a hurdle. Only ₹15.16 crore was spent on six projects in cities like Jaunpur and Agra in the first quarter of 2024. Illegal activities, such as sand mining and unregulated construction, continue to threaten the river’s ecosystem. Experts also point to governance issues and the need for stricter enforcement against industrial polluters, particularly tanneries in Kanpur.
Water quality has shown improvement, with the Central Pollution Control Board reporting that dissolved oxygen levels are within acceptable limits for bathing in most stretches. The dolphin population, a key indicator of river health, has doubled to around 4,000, with sightings in new stretches and tributaries. Indian carp, which thrive in cleaner waters, are also reportedly increasing. However, untreated industrial waste and household sewage still pose significant challenges, particularly in densely populated areas.
The state’s renewed focus includes public-private partnerships (PPPs) under the hybrid annuity model, attracting private investment for sewage treatment plants. A notable example is the Mathura project, where Indian Oil uses treated wastewater, saving 20 million liters of freshwater daily. This model is being replicated in 27 other cities along the Ganga, with nearly $500 million in private investment.
The United Nations recognized Namami Gange in 2022 as one of the top 10 global restoration initiatives, citing its multi-sectoral approach. Conservation efforts have also boosted biodiversity, with species like softshell turtles and hilsa shad returning to parts of the river. Yet, critics argue that despite nearly ₹40,000 crore spent since 2014, the Ganga remains far from pristine, with dysfunctional treatment plants and unregulated activities undermining progress.
Uttar Pradesh’s latest funding push signals a commitment to overcoming these hurdles, but success hinges on faster implementation, community involvement, and stricter oversight. The state’s efforts, if executed effectively, could set a precedent for river restoration worldwide, balancing ecological, cultural, and economic goals.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent reports, government data, and insights from sources like The Hindu, Reuters, and the National Mission for Clean Ganga. Information is accurate as of September 2025, but project outcomes may vary based on implementation.