Ganga Conservation: Union Minister C.R. Patil Reviews Namami Gange Progress at 20th ETF Meeting
The Union Minister for Jal Shakti discussed sewage infrastructure, water management, and the integration of water-related courses into education during the Empowered Task Force meeting on Ganga conservation.
The 20th meeting of the Empowered Task Force (ETF) on Ganga Conservation was held in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Patil. The meeting reviewed the progress of the 'Namami Gange' program and deliberated on key measures to accelerate river conservation, including improved sewage infrastructure, scientific water management, the safe reuse of treated wastewater, and ecological restoration.
During the meeting, the performance for the financial year 2025-26 was reviewed. It was reported that 527 projects have been approved at a total cost of 43,266 crore rupees by August 2026, of which 368 have been completed. Within the sewage infrastructure sector, 147 out of 219 approved projects have been completed, resulting in the creation of 4,339 MLD of sewage treatment capacity and 4,615 kilometers of sewer network. The Union Minister issued instructions to complete projects on time by resolving pending Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and land-related bottlenecks.
Advancing the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the meeting emphasized the inclusion of water management in education. Under the River City Alliance, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) have developed courses such as 'Principles of Urban River Management' and 'Eco-friendly Waterfront Development.' These courses are currently being implemented at Mitraj Sarvajanik University, O.P. Jindal Global University, and the School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal.
The meeting specifically reviewed the conservation of the Gomti origin site in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, and the revival of the Niranjana/Falgu River in Bihar. Additionally, initiatives for the conservation of the Yamuna River were discussed, including projects in Mathura-Vrindavan, Agra, Firozabad, and Etawah, as well as the urban river management plan and drone-based surveys in Delhi.
Union Minister Shri C.R. Patil highlighted the need for an integrated approach to river conservation, encompassing pollution control alongside groundwater security, biodiversity conservation, and community participation. The meeting also reviewed the 'Swachhata Hi Seva 2026' campaign and awareness drives conducted during World River Day. Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Raj Bhushan Chaudhary, and senior officials from various ministries and state governments were present on the occasion.
