India’s Namami Gange Programme has completed 368 projects and created or rehabilitated 4,339 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage treatment capacity, marking substantial progress in one of the country’s largest river rejuvenation initiatives. With 527 projects sanctioned at a total cost of ₹43,266 crore, the programme has expanded its focus beyond sewage infrastructure to include industrial pollution control, biodiversity conservation, afforestation, wetland restoration and scientific river management.
According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s latest consolidated review, released on October 8, 2026, approximately 70% of sanctioned projects had been completed by August 2026. The programme has also completed 4,615 kilometres of sewerage networks, strengthening wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure across the Ganga basin.
The progress is accompanied by measurable improvements in river-water quality. The Central Pollution Control Board’s 2025 assessment recorded improvements in several stretches of the Ganga compared with 2018, including the removal of Uttarakhand’s previously identified polluted stretch from the polluted river stretches classification. However, sections of the river in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal continue to face pollution challenges.
More than a decade after its launch in June 2014, Namami Gange has evolved into an integrated programme combining engineering, ecological restoration, technology and community participation. Its next phase of progress depends not only on completing infrastructure but also on ensuring that treatment facilities operate effectively and that improvements in river health are sustained.
Namami Gange Programme: Progress at a Glance
The Ministry of Jal Shakti reviewed the programme’s implementation during the 20th meeting of the Empowered Task Force on Ganga Rejuvenation, chaired by Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Paatil on October 8, 2026.
The review covered infrastructure development, wastewater treatment, ecological restoration, project implementation and coordination between central and state agencies. The figures presented at the meeting provide the latest consolidated assessment of the programme’s physical progress.
Table 1: Namami Gange Progress as of August 2026
| Indicator | Official Figure | Progress |
|---|---|---|
| Total projects sanctioned | 527 | 100% |
| Projects completed | 368 | 69.8% |
| Projects remaining | 159 | 30.2% |
| Total sanctioned project cost | ₹43,266 crore | Approved project value |
| Sewerage infrastructure projects sanctioned | 219 | 100% |
| Sewerage projects completed | 147 | 67.1% |
| Sanctioned sewage treatment capacity | 6,603 MLD | 100% |
| Sewage treatment capacity created or rehabilitated | 4,339 MLD | 65.7% |
| Remaining sanctioned treatment capacity | 2,264 MLD | 34.3% |
| Planned sewerage network | 5,245 km | 100% |
| Completed sewerage network | 4,615 km | 88.0% |
| Remaining sewerage network | 630 km | 12.0% |
Source: Ministry of Jal Shakti, 20th Empowered Task Force meeting, October 8, 2026. Completion percentages and remaining quantities are calculated from the official figures.
The figures demonstrate that sewerage network construction has progressed faster than the completion of the corresponding treatment capacity. Approximately 88% of the planned network length has been completed, compared with 65.7% of the sanctioned sewage treatment capacity.
This distinction is important because sewerage networks and treatment plants must function together. Collection networks transport wastewater to treatment facilities, while treatment plants remove pollutants before the treated water is discharged or reused.
The programme’s infrastructure achievements therefore represent substantial progress, but the effectiveness of river pollution control ultimately depends on how much wastewater is collected, treated and safely managed.
From 2014 to 2026: Evolution of India’s Ganga Rejuvenation Mission
The Government of India launched Namami Gange in June 2014 as an integrated conservation mission with an initial approved outlay of ₹20,000 crore. The programme was designed to address pollution in the Ganga and its tributaries through a coordinated approach involving multiple government agencies and state administrations.
The first phase continued until March 2021. The government subsequently approved Phase II through March 2026, with an additional financial provision of ₹22,500 crore to support ongoing infrastructure development and river conservation activities.
The National Mission for Clean Ganga serves as the principal implementing and coordinating institution. The programme operates in cooperation with state governments, municipal authorities, pollution control agencies, research institutions and other stakeholders.
Over time, its activities have expanded from sewage interception and treatment towards integrated river basin management. This includes wastewater reuse, environmental flows, ecological monitoring, restoration of aquatic habitats and public participation.
Table 2: Growth in Sanctioned and Completed Projects
| Reporting Period | Projects Sanctioned | Projects Completed | Completion Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | 492 | 307 | 62.4% |
| February 2026 | 524 | 355 | 67.7% |
| August 2026 | 527 | 368 | 69.8% |
Sources: PIB research report, March 2025; Ministry of Jal Shakti parliamentary reply, March 23, 2026; Empowered Task Force review, October 8, 2026.
The programme completed 61 additional projects between January 2025 and August 2026, while the total number of sanctioned projects increased by 35 during the same period.
Between February and August 2026 alone, 13 additional projects were completed. Although new project sanctions increased the total portfolio, the number of unfinished projects declined from 169 to 159.
These figures indicate continued implementation progress while also demonstrating the considerable scale of the remaining work.
Sewage Treatment Infrastructure Remains the Programme’s Largest Component
Untreated domestic sewage is a major source of pollution in Indian rivers. Namami Gange has therefore made wastewater collection and treatment a central component of its infrastructure investment.
The programme includes the construction of new sewage treatment plants, rehabilitation of existing facilities and expansion of sewerage networks. It also supports decentralised wastewater treatment in locations where conventional underground sewerage systems are difficult to establish.
By August 2026, the government had sanctioned 219 sewerage infrastructure projects with a combined planned treatment capacity of 6,603 MLD. Of these, 147 projects had been completed, creating or rehabilitating 4,339 MLD of capacity.
An MLD represents one million litres per day. Consequently, the reported 4,339 MLD capacity is equivalent to approximately 4.339 billion litres of wastewater treatment capacity per day.
This figure describes installed or rehabilitated treatment capacity rather than the actual daily volume of wastewater treated. Operational performance depends on sewage inflows, connections, plant availability and treatment efficiency.
Table 3: Sewage Treatment Capacity — Recent Progress
| Reporting Period | Treatment Capacity Created or Rehabilitated |
|---|---|
| December 2025 | 3,977 MLD |
| June 2026 | 4,263 MLD |
| August 2026 | 4,339 MLD |
Sources: Ministry of Jal Shakti parliamentary replies and Empowered Task Force reviews.
The reported treatment capacity increased by 362 MLD between December 2025 and August 2026. This represents approximately 362 million litres of additional daily treatment capacity.
The Ministry also reported that 25 major sewage treatment plants, with a combined capacity of 530 MLD, were commissioned and operationalised during calendar year 2025.
These additions reflect the continued expansion of wastewater treatment infrastructure across urban centres in the Ganga basin.
How Much Has the Government Spent on Namami Gange?
Financial expenditure provides another measure of implementation, although it must be distinguished from the total sanctioned value of projects.
The National Mission for Clean Ganga reported cumulative disbursements of ₹21,340 crore from the programme’s inception through March 15, 2026. Of this amount, ₹16,025.97 crore had been disbursed for sewage treatment projects.
During the July 2026 Empowered Task Force meeting, the Ministry reported cumulative expenditure exceeding ₹21,550 crore.
The October review placed the total sanctioned value of the programme’s 527 projects at ₹43,266 crore.
Table 4: Namami Gange Financial Position
| Financial Indicator | Amount | Reporting Period |
|---|---|---|
| Initial programme outlay | ₹20,000 crore | 2014 |
| Additional Phase II provision | ₹22,500 crore | Phase II approval |
| Total sanctioned project value | ₹43,266 crore | August 2026 |
| Cumulative disbursement | ₹21,340 crore | March 15, 2026 |
| Disbursement for sewage treatment projects | ₹16,025.97 crore | March 15, 2026 |
| Cumulative expenditure reported | More than ₹21,550 crore | July 2026 review |
Sources: Ministry of Jal Shakti and National Mission for Clean Ganga.
The financial figures demonstrate the scale of public investment in wastewater management and river conservation. Sewage treatment has received a substantial share of programme disbursements, consistent with its importance in controlling urban pollution.
However, sanctioned project expenditure and actual fund utilisation are different financial measures. Approved projects may extend across several years, while payments are generally linked to implementation schedules and contractual requirements.
The available figures establish that substantial resources have been committed and disbursed. They do not, by themselves, establish the cost-effectiveness of individual projects or the extent of pollution reduction achieved for every rupee spent.
Has Namami Gange Improved the Water Quality of River Ganga?
The Central Pollution Control Board’s assessments provide evidence of improvements in the water quality of several Ganga stretches.
The CPCB monitors the Ganga at 112 locations across five main-stem states. These include 19 monitoring locations in Uttarakhand, 41 in Uttar Pradesh, 33 in Bihar, four in Jharkhand and 15 in West Bengal.
The 2025 Polluted River Stretches assessment provides a comparison with the river’s condition in 2018. It shows improvements in pollution classification and the geographical extent of certain polluted stretches.
Table 5: Ganga Water Quality — State-Wise Comparison, 2018 and 2025
| State | Polluted Stretch in 2018 | Polluted Stretch in 2025 | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uttarakhand | Haridwar–Sultanpur, Priority IV | No polluted stretch identified | Improved |
| Uttar Pradesh | Kannauj–Varanasi, Priority IV | Bijnor–Tarighat, Priority IV/V | Partial improvement; pollution persists |
| Bihar | Buxar–Bhagalpur, Priority V | Bhagalpur downstream–Khalgaon downstream, Priority V | Pollution remains in a smaller identified stretch |
| Jharkhand | No polluted stretch identified | No polluted stretch identified | No listed polluted stretch |
| West Bengal | Triveni–Diamond Harbour, Priority III | Baharampore–Diamond Harbour, Priority V | Improved pollution classification |
Source: CPCB Polluted River Stretches assessments, 2018 and 2025, presented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
In Uttarakhand, the previously identified polluted stretch between Haridwar and Sultanpur no longer appears in the 2025 polluted river stretches classification.
West Bengal also recorded an improvement in pollution severity classification, moving from Priority III to Priority V. Under the CPCB classification system, Priority I represents more severe organic pollution, while Priority V indicates a lower level of pollution.
In Uttar Pradesh, the 2025 assessment identifies a different and more extensive geographical stretch than the 2018 classification, although the government describes the overall trend as partial improvement. Bihar’s identified polluted stretch became more geographically limited, but pollution concerns remain.
These results demonstrate progress in certain locations rather than uniform restoration of the entire river.
Dissolved Oxygen, BOD and Faecal Contamination: Understanding the Results
River health cannot be evaluated through a single parameter. The CPCB assesses water quality using several indicators, including dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, acidity and alkalinity, and microbiological contamination.
Dissolved oxygen indicates the amount of oxygen available in water to support aquatic organisms. Biochemical oxygen demand, or BOD, measures the oxygen required by microorganisms to break down biodegradable organic material. Higher BOD generally indicates greater organic pollution.
Faecal coliform bacteria serve as indicators of contamination associated with faecal matter. Their presence is especially important when evaluating whether river water meets prescribed bathing-water criteria.
According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s March 2026 parliamentary response, median dissolved oxygen and pH values during January–August 2025 met the prescribed bathing-water criteria at all monitored locations along the main Ganga.
The Ministry also reported compliance with BOD criteria across the monitored stretches in Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. Exceptions remained at specified locations in Uttar Pradesh, including stretches around Farrukhabad, Kanpur, Raebareli, Mirzapur and Ghazipur.
Microbiological water quality remained more uneven, with faecal coliform criteria met across some states and stretches but not universally along the river.
Table 6: Faecal Coliform Levels at Selected Ganga Locations
| Monitoring Location | 2014 | 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assi Ghat, Varanasi | 2,500 | 790 | 68.4% reduction |
| NIT Gandhi Ghat, Patna | 5,400 | 2,200 | 59.3% reduction |
| Downstream Ganga Bridge, Patna | 3,000 | 1,950 | 35.0% reduction |
Unit: MPN per 100 millilitres. Figures represent reported median faecal coliform observations. Percentage reductions are calculated from the official values.
The comparison indicates substantial reductions in faecal coliform levels at these selected monitoring locations.
However, reduced contamination does not automatically mean that water meets every applicable bathing or drinking-water standard. Water-quality compliance must be assessed against the relevant limits for each parameter.
The Ganga’s continued recovery therefore requires sustained reductions in untreated sewage, improved sewerage coverage and consistent operation of wastewater treatment infrastructure.
Industrial Pollution Control Becomes an Important Part of River Rejuvenation
Industrial effluents represent another source of pollution in the Ganga basin. Tanneries, chemical industries and other manufacturing activities can discharge wastewater containing organic pollutants, chemicals and other substances requiring specialised treatment.
Namami Gange supports industrial pollution control through monitoring, enforcement and the development of common effluent treatment plants.
The Ministry of Jal Shakti reported that three common effluent treatment plants had been sanctioned under the programme. These include facilities at Jajmau, Banther and Mathura.
Table 7: Common Effluent Treatment Plants Under Namami Gange
| Location | Treatment Capacity | Status Reported in August 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Jajmau, Kanpur | 20 MLD | Completed |
| Banther | 4.5 MLD | Sanctioned |
| Mathura | 6.25 MLD | Completed |
| Total | 30.75 MLD | 26.25 MLD completed |
Source: Ministry of Jal Shakti, parliamentary response dated August 6, 2026.
Common effluent treatment plants allow groups of industrial units to treat wastewater through shared infrastructure. They are particularly relevant to industrial clusters where individual units may face difficulties establishing comprehensive treatment systems.
The programme also includes surveillance of industrial discharges and measures to strengthen compliance with environmental standards.
Improving industrial effluent treatment complements municipal sewage management and remains essential to achieving sustained river-water quality improvements.
New Wastewater Technologies Transform Namami Gange Infrastructure
One of the programme’s important developments is the adoption of treatment technologies suited to different geographical and operational conditions.
A PIB feature published on October 21, 2026, documented the use of conventional biological treatment, electrocoagulation, constructed wetlands, decentralised sewage treatment, advanced oxidation processes and energy-efficient systems.
Rather than relying on a single treatment method, Namami Gange adopts a technology-neutral approach. This allows project authorities to select suitable processes according to wastewater characteristics, land availability, climate, environmental standards and operational requirements.
Table 8: Innovative Wastewater Treatment Technologies Under Namami Gange
| Technology | Location / Example | Capacity or Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-storey STP | Muni Ki Reti, Uttarakhand | 7.5 MLD |
| Constructed wetlands | Bithoor, Uttar Pradesh | Approximately 2 MLD |
| Electrocoagulation | Multiple Uttarakhand locations | 17 installations |
| Food Chain Reactor | Prayagraj and Bhatpara | Five operational STPs |
| NEREDA aerobic granular sludge | Pahadi, Patna | 60 MLD |
| Soil Biotechnology | Devprayag | 1.2 MLD |
| Faecal sludge treatment pilot | Chunar, Uttar Pradesh | 10 KLD |
| Advanced Oxidation Process | Assi Drain, Varanasi | On-site pilot approach |
Source: PIB, Transforming Wastewater Treatment: Technology and Innovation under Namami Gange, October 21, 2026.
India’s Four-Storey Sewage Treatment Plant at Muni Ki Reti
At Muni Ki Reti in Uttarakhand, Namami Gange established a four-storey municipal sewage treatment plant to overcome severe land constraints near the Ganga.
The 7.5 MLD facility occupies approximately 900 square metres. Its vertical design allows wastewater treatment operations to function within a smaller geographical footprint than a comparable conventional plant.
According to the government’s assessment, the facility requires approximately 120 square metres of land per MLD of treatment capacity, compared with 400 square metres per MLD for the cited conventional alternative.
The project demonstrates how engineering innovation can help expand sanitation infrastructure in densely developed towns and environmentally sensitive locations.
Constructed Wetlands at Bithoor Reduce Organic Pollution
At Bithoor in Uttar Pradesh, six constructed wetlands were developed to treat approximately 2 MLD of wastewater flowing through local drains.
Constructed wetlands use engineered combinations of plants, soil, microorganisms and filtration media to remove pollutants from wastewater.
The government reported that the Bithoor system reduced BOD concentrations from approximately 75 milligrams per litre at the inlet to below 10 milligrams per litre in the treated effluent.
This represents a reduction of more than 86% in the reported BOD concentration and demonstrates the potential of nature-based treatment in suitable conditions.
Electrocoagulation Supports Sewage Treatment in Himalayan Regions
Namami Gange has introduced electrocoagulation and electro-oxidation systems at locations where conventional biological treatment faces operational difficulties.
These technologies use electrical processes to assist in removing pollutants from wastewater. They can be particularly relevant in areas characterised by low temperatures, difficult terrain and limited land availability.
The government documented 17 such installations in Uttarakhand, including facilities associated with Badrinath and Chamoli.
The adoption of these systems expands the range of wastewater treatment solutions available to Himalayan settlements and pilgrimage centres.
Energy-Efficient Sewage Treatment Plants Reduce Operating Requirements
Wastewater treatment requires a dependable energy supply. Pumping, aeration, filtration and sludge management can account for substantial operating expenditure at conventional sewage treatment plants.
Namami Gange has therefore incorporated energy recovery and more efficient treatment technologies into several facilities.
At the 140 MLD Dinapur sewage treatment plant in Varanasi, the government reported monthly electricity consumption of approximately 4.2 lakh units. Biogas-based generation contributed between 2.2 lakh and 3 lakh units monthly, equivalent to approximately 52%–72% of reported electricity consumption.
The 80 MLD Naini sewage treatment plant in Prayagraj also uses biogas generation to meet approximately half of its daily power requirement, according to the government’s technical assessment.
Advanced biological treatment technologies such as NEREDA offer additional opportunities to reduce energy consumption and land requirements. The 60 MLD plant at Pahadi in Patna uses aerobic granular sludge technology to achieve a more compact biological treatment process.
These developments are important because the long-term effectiveness of river-cleaning infrastructure depends on operating expenditure, technical reliability and maintenance, not simply the completion of construction.
Biodiversity Conservation Expands Across the Ganga Basin
Namami Gange treats aquatic biodiversity as an important component of river rejuvenation. The programme supports scientific research, habitat restoration, conservation breeding, fisheries management and community participation.
The Ministry of Jal Shakti’s August 2026 parliamentary response documented conservation interventions involving Gangetic dolphins, gharials, freshwater turtles, fish populations and riverine ecosystems.
Scientific assessments have helped establish a more detailed understanding of aquatic biodiversity across the Ganga basin and connected river systems.
Table 9: Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration Achievements
| Conservation Indicator | Official Figure |
|---|---|
| Gharials documented during scientific surveys | 3,037 |
| River stretches covered by gharial surveys | Approximately 7,680 km |
| Aquatic animals rescued and rehabilitated | Approximately 6,800 |
| Freshwater turtle hatchlings produced | More than 1,500 |
| Turtles released into the Ganga | 711 |
| Gharial yearlings released into natural habitats | 893 |
| Additional turtles released into natural habitats | 1,899 |
| Fish species documented in the Ganga | 215 |
| Native fish species documented | 206 |
| Exotic fish species documented | 9 |
| Fish seed released through scientific river ranching | Approximately 2.05 crore |
| Afforestation completed | 33,024 hectares |
| Ganga Praharis mobilised | More than 5,500 |
| Districts covered by Ganga Prahari mobilisation | 113 |
| Ganga Biodiversity Parks under development | Seven |
Source: Ministry of Jal Shakti, parliamentary response dated August 6, 2026.
The figures demonstrate that conservation activities extend well beyond wastewater treatment. Scientific surveys, species monitoring and habitat restoration have become important components of the programme’s ecological objectives.
However, the number of animals documented in a survey should not be interpreted as the number added to a population because of Namami Gange. Population recovery requires comparable long-term ecological assessments that account for habitat conditions, breeding success, survival and other influences.
Gangetic Dolphin Conservation Receives Special Attention
The Gangetic dolphin is an important indicator species for India’s river ecosystems. Its conservation depends on maintaining suitable water quality, river connectivity, adequate flows and sufficient aquatic prey.
The nationwide river dolphin population assessment conducted during 2021–2023 estimated approximately 6,327 Gangetic dolphins in India.
This figure represents a national population estimate rather than a count restricted to the main Ganga or a direct measure of population growth attributable to Namami Gange.
The programme has nevertheless supported important conservation infrastructure, including aquatic rescue and rehabilitation centres, scientific monitoring and specialised rescue equipment.
India’s first Dolphin Rescue Ambulance was inaugurated at the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, in January 2026. The facility strengthens the ability of conservation teams to respond to stranded or distressed dolphins requiring specialised handling and transportation.
Community-based conservation initiatives have also expanded through the Ganga Prahari network and other outreach programmes.
These interventions strengthen the institutional capacity required for protecting threatened aquatic species across the river basin.
Afforestation and Wetland Restoration Strengthen River Ecosystems
Healthy rivers depend on more than the quality of water flowing through their channels. Riparian vegetation, wetlands, groundwater systems and floodplains influence erosion, sediment movement, aquatic habitats and water availability.
Under Namami Gange, approximately 33,024 hectares have been afforested across five Ganga basin states through collaboration with state forest departments.
The programme has also sanctioned seven Ganga Biodiversity Parks in Uttar Pradesh and supported the conservation and restoration of priority wetlands.
Wetlands perform important ecological functions by storing water, supporting biodiversity and helping regulate water movement through river landscapes.
In Uttar Pradesh, the government reported the notification of 20 wetlands as part of broader conservation efforts.
Such interventions complement engineered sewage treatment infrastructure by addressing the ecological systems surrounding the river.
Environmental Flows Remain Essential to a Healthy Ganga
River rejuvenation requires maintaining sufficient water within the river channel to support ecological functions.
India notified minimum environmental flow requirements for the Ganga in October 2018. These norms are intended to maintain specified river flows while accommodating water-use requirements.
According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, compliance with the notified environmental flow requirements is monitored by the Central Water Commission.
Adequate flows help sustain aquatic habitats, support the movement of sediment and nutrients, and influence the river’s ability to dilute and process certain pollutants.
However, environmental flow management cannot substitute for pollution prevention. Untreated sewage and industrial effluents must still be intercepted and treated before discharge.
The combination of water-quality improvements and environmental flow management therefore remains central to the programme’s long-term ecological objectives.
Namami Gange Expands Attention to the Yamuna and Other Tributaries
The Ganga basin includes numerous tributaries whose water quality directly influences the larger river system. Namami Gange has consequently supported pollution abatement and ecological restoration projects beyond the main Ganga channel.
The October 2026 Empowered Task Force review examined ongoing interventions along the Yamuna, including sewage infrastructure projects in Mathura–Vrindavan, Kosi–Chhata, Agra, Firozabad and Etawah.
In Delhi, the programme has supported activities involving wastewater management, urban river planning, wetland conservation, drainage mapping and pollution monitoring.
The review also examined the proposed rejuvenation of the Niranjana–Falgu River in Bihar. The initiative envisages ecological restoration, groundwater recharge, afforestation and measures to improve water availability.
Another project receiving attention is the rejuvenation of Gomti Udgam Sthal in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh. Approved interventions include lake restoration and a 1 MLD nature-based sewage treatment facility.
These initiatives reflect the growing importance of managing the Ganga as an interconnected river basin rather than treating individual polluted locations in isolation.
Treated Wastewater Reuse Becomes a New Priority
Reusing treated wastewater can reduce pressure on freshwater supplies while creating productive uses for water that would otherwise be discharged after treatment.
The Ministry of Jal Shakti has identified safe reuse of treated wastewater as an important component of the programme’s evolving strategy.
The October 2026 review noted that Bihar and West Bengal had notified policies for treated wastewater reuse, while Jharkhand was progressing through its approval process.
Potential applications for appropriately treated water include industrial operations, landscaping and other non-potable uses, subject to relevant quality standards and regulatory requirements.
Successful reuse requires dependable treatment performance, suitable distribution infrastructure and monitoring to ensure that reclaimed water meets the standards applicable to its intended use.
Expanding safe wastewater reuse can complement river pollution control by reducing unnecessary freshwater withdrawals and improving resource efficiency.
Challenges That Remain in Ganga Rejuvenation
Despite the progress recorded since 2014, the available official data demonstrates that substantial work remains.
Of the 527 sanctioned projects, 159 had not been completed by August 2026. Within the sewerage infrastructure component, 72 projects remained unfinished, while approximately 2,264 MLD of sanctioned treatment capacity had yet to be created or rehabilitated.
The incomplete infrastructure is only one part of the challenge. Effective pollution control also requires wastewater collection networks to connect households and establishments with operating treatment plants.
Treatment facilities must receive sufficient wastewater, maintain their equipment, manage sludge and consistently meet prescribed discharge standards.
Industrial effluent control remains important, particularly in areas containing pollution-intensive manufacturing activities. Enforcement, inspection and compliance monitoring must continue alongside infrastructure development.
The CPCB’s identification of polluted stretches in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal demonstrates that improved water quality has not yet been achieved uniformly along the river.
The October 2026 review also highlighted administrative challenges involving land availability, detailed project reports and coordination between implementing agencies.
Addressing these issues is essential to translating sanctioned investments and completed construction into sustained environmental improvements.
Measuring the Success of Namami Gange Beyond Infrastructure
The programme’s progress can be assessed through three related measures: infrastructure delivery, operational performance and environmental outcomes.
Infrastructure delivery includes completed projects, treatment capacity, sewerage networks and industrial pollution control facilities. On these measures, Namami Gange has made substantial progress.
Operational performance concerns whether treatment infrastructure is functioning consistently and processing the wastewater it was designed to handle. This requires monitoring actual sewage inflows, treated-water quality, plant availability, electricity consumption and maintenance.
Environmental outcomes are measured through changes in river-water quality, biological indicators, aquatic habitats and ecological conditions.
These measures are related but not interchangeable. A completed treatment plant represents an infrastructure achievement, while sustained reductions in pollution provide stronger evidence of environmental effectiveness.
Table 10: Namami Gange — Achievements and Remaining Priorities
| Area | Progress Recorded | Continuing Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Overall implementation | 368 of 527 projects completed | Complete remaining 159 projects |
| Sewage treatment | 4,339 MLD created or rehabilitated | Complete remaining capacity and ensure effective operation |
| Sewerage networks | 4,615 km completed | Finish connections and remaining networks |
| Water quality | Improvements recorded in several stretches | Reduce persistent pollution |
| Industrial pollution | Two CETPs completed | Complete remaining facilities and maintain compliance |
| Biodiversity | Conservation, breeding and monitoring expanded | Sustain habitats and scientifically monitor populations |
| Afforestation | 33,024 hectares covered | Maintain plantations and restore riparian ecosystems |
| Wastewater technology | Advanced and nature-based systems introduced | Improve long-term reliability and efficiency |
| Environmental flows | Minimum flow norms under monitoring | Maintain ecological flows and basin coordination |
| Wastewater reuse | State policies and planning advancing | Expand safe, monitored reuse |
The programme’s future effectiveness will increasingly depend on the quality of its completed infrastructure and the ability of institutions to maintain environmental improvements over time.
Namami Gange in 2026: Substantial Progress Towards Long-Term River Restoration
Namami Gange has created an extensive framework for river rejuvenation through public investment, engineering infrastructure, scientific research and ecological conservation.
By August 2026, the programme had completed nearly 70% of sanctioned projects, established or rehabilitated more than 4.3 billion litres of daily sewage treatment capacity and constructed over 4,600 kilometres of sewerage networks.
The initiative has also expanded biodiversity conservation, afforestation, wetland restoration and scientific river monitoring. Innovations in wastewater treatment are helping address the geographical and operational challenges faced by settlements across the Ganga basin.
Official water-quality assessments provide evidence of progress in several river stretches, although persistent pollution demonstrates that the restoration process remains incomplete.
The next stage of Namami Gange will be defined by the completion of remaining infrastructure, dependable treatment operations, improved wastewater reuse and continued ecological restoration.
More than a river-cleaning initiative, Namami Gange has developed into a long-term programme for managing one of India’s most important river systems. Its continuing achievements provide a foundation for healthier waterways, stronger aquatic ecosystems and improved environmental management across the Ganga basin.
References
1. Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India — October 8, 2026
Jal Shakti Minister Shri C. R. Paatil Chairs 20th Meeting of Empowered Task Force on Ganga Rejuvenation.
Press Information Bureau, Release ID: 2320589.
This release provides the latest consolidated figures covering 527 sanctioned projects, 368 completed projects, ₹43,266 crore in sanctioned project value, 4,339 MLD of sewage treatment capacity and 4,615 kilometres of sewerage networks.
2. Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India — August 6, 2026
Projects Under Namami Gange Mission.
Press Information Bureau, Release ID: 2295528. Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3190.
This parliamentary response provides CPCB water-quality comparisons, sewage infrastructure data, industrial pollution control information, biodiversity conservation achievements, afforestation figures and details of scientific river management.
3. Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India — March 23, 2026
Status of Namami Gange Programme.
Press Information Bureau, Release ID: 2244007.
The release provides cumulative financial disbursements, programme implementation progress, sewage treatment achievements and details of aquatic conservation activities.
4. Press Information Bureau, Government of India — October 21, 2026
Transforming Wastewater Treatment: Technology and Innovation under Namami Gange.
This official feature documents innovative treatment technologies, including multi-storey sewage treatment plants, constructed wetlands, electrocoagulation, aerobic granular sludge, decentralised wastewater treatment and energy recovery systems.
5. Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India — February 2, 2026
River Rejuvenation and Pollution Abatement.
Press Information Bureau, Release ID: 2222160. Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 249.
This release provides CPCB monitoring results, state-wise pollution assessments and water-quality observations relating to dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand and microbiological indicators.
6. Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India — July 2, 2026
Jal Shakti Minister Shri C. R. Paatil Chairs 19th Meeting of Empowered Task Force on Ganga Rejuvenation.
Press Information Bureau, Release ID: 2280512.
This review provides project progress, expenditure information, sewage treatment capacity additions and programme implementation updates.
7. Central Pollution Control Board, Government of India
Polluted River Stretches Assessment, 2025.
Official water-quality assessments used by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to compare pollution conditions along the Ganga with the 2018 assessment.
8. National Mission for Clean Ganga, Ministry of Jal Shakti
Namami Gange Programme: Official Programme Information and Implementation Reports.
National Mission for Clean Ganga, Government of India.
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