From National Mission to Global Inspiration, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• The Namami Gange Programme has been recognized by the United Nations as one of the world's 'Top 10 Restoration Flagships'.
• This recognition was awarded under the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030).
• Launched in June 2014, Namami Gange is an Integrated Conservation Mission by the Government of India.
• Its primary objectives are the effective abatement of pollution and the conservation and rejuvenation of the National River Ganga.
• The program is implemented by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

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Detailed Insights:

• The Namami Gange Programme received this global accolade in December 2022, during the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15).
• The initiative was approved with an initial budget outlay of ₹20,000 Crore, later expanding to ₹42,500 crore.
• Key pillars of the program include sewage treatment infrastructure, riverfront development, river surface cleaning, biodiversity conservation, afforestation, and public awareness.
• Significant achievements include a 30-fold increase in sewage treatment capacity since 2014, reaching 3,446 MLD, and notable improvements in water quality.
• These efforts have led to the resurgence of aquatic life, including the Gangetic Dolphin population in various stretches of the river.
• The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), proclaimed by the UN General Assembly, aims to prevent, halt, and reverse ecosystem degradation globally.
• This global initiative is coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Key Concepts Involved:

• Namami Gange: India's flagship program launched in 2014 for the comprehensive cleaning, conservation, and rejuvenation of the River Ganga.
• United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030): A global call to action by the UN to prevent, halt, and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide.
• National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG): The implementing agency for the Namami Gange Programme, responsible for its planning and execution.