Jal Shakti Ministry Undertaking Rejuvenation of 296 Polluted River Stretches Across India

The Ministry of Jal Shakti is undertaking the rejuvenation of 296 polluted river stretches across India as part of the government's comprehensive effort to restore and protect the country's river ecosystems. Union Minister C.R. Patil provided this information highlighting the scale of the government's river conservation efforts.

Scale of the Initiative

The identification of 296 polluted river stretches reflects the magnitude of the challenge facing India's water bodies. These stretches span across multiple states and river basins, covering both major rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna, as well as smaller tributaries and local water bodies that have been severely impacted by industrial effluents, domestic sewage, and agricultural runoff.

Rejuvenation Strategy

The Ministry's approach to river rejuvenation involves a multi-pronged strategy. This includes the setting up of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) along polluted stretches, construction of interceptor sewers to prevent untreated sewage from entering rivers, industrial effluent treatment norms enforcement, and public awareness campaigns to reduce pollution at the source. The government is working in coordination with state governments and local authorities to implement these measures.

Namami Gange and Other Programmes

The river rejuvenation efforts are aligned with flagship programmes such as Namami Gange for the Ganga river basin and various river conservation schemes under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP). These programmes have been instrumental in driving the cleaning of polluted stretches and restoring biodiversity in river ecosystems.

Progress and Challenges

While significant progress has been made in reducing pollution levels in several river stretches, challenges remain in fully restoring water quality across all 296 identified stretches. The ministry remains committed to the long-term goal of rejuvenating India's rivers, ensuring clean water availability for millions of people who depend on these rivers for drinking water, agriculture, and livelihoods.