Namami Gange Mission Accelerates Ganga Conservation in Uttarakhand; Strong Ground Impact Visible Ahead of Ardh Kumbh
Efforts to conserve and rejuvenate the Ganga and its tributaries in Uttarakhand have entered a decisive phase, with the
Efforts to conserve and rejuvenate the Ganga and its tributaries in Uttarakhand have entered a decisive phase, with the Namami Gange Mission now delivering measurable results on the ground. What was once largely limited to policy commitments is now translating into large-scale infrastructure and operational outcomes across the state.
A total of 42 projects worth ₹1,743 crore have been taken up, of which 38 are already completed and operational, while four are in advanced stages of implementation. These projects have enabled the development of a 208-km sewer network and created over 244 MLD of sewage treatment capacity, either operational or under development. Real-time monitoring, ecological restoration, biodiversity protection and community participation are collectively helping build a sustainable river-city relationship along the Ganga basin.
14 MLD Sarai STP Haridwar
Urban wastewater management along the river has shifted to a scientific and system-driven approach. Interception and diversion of drains, expansion of sewer networks, construction and upgradation of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), and integration of septage treatment have together replaced decades of unregulated wastewater discharge with monitored and treated systems.
With the upcoming Ardh Kumbh expected to draw massive footfall, preparations have been intensified to maintain river purity. Enhanced sewage management, effective drain interception, continuous plant monitoring and real-time water quality tracking are being deployed to ensure the river remains clean, uninterrupted and fit for religious use.
Major infrastructure push is also visible in the state capital Dehradun and pilgrimage hub Haridwar. Around ₹800 crore is being invested across 12 projects in these cities. The projects aim to build 141 MLD sewage treatment capacity, with 126 MLD already commissioned. Additionally, 72 km of sewer network has been laid to ensure structured wastewater conveyance to treatment facilities.
In Rishikesh, a global hub for yoga and spiritual tourism, wastewater management systems have been significantly strengthened despite rising population and tourism pressure. The city currently has 58 MLD sewage treatment capacity. Sensitive riverbank zones now have drain interception systems, modern STPs and septage co-treatment to ensure only treated water enters the Ganga.
At highly sensitive stretches such as Triveni Ghat, sewerage systems have been strengthened through dedicated sewer networks and interception-diversion infrastructure. A modern 58 MLD STP and additional sewer conveyance systems, completed in 2022, have helped create a stable wastewater treatment backbone for the city.
68 MLD Jagjeetpur STP
Septage management has also been integrated into the broader treatment ecosystem. By linking Rishikesh to treatment facilities in Haridwar, Srinagar and Devprayag, 50 KLD septage treatment capacity was created and completed in October 2025, ensuring fecal sludge is treated before discharge into the river system.
With these combined interventions, on-ground impact is now becoming clearly visible. Wastewater is being intercepted before entering the river, treated through dedicated infrastructure and monitored through scientific systems. With Ardh Kumbh preparations in full swing, the Ganga’s flow is steadily moving towards being cleaner, purer and safer for millions of devotees.
Through the Namami Gange Mission, Uttarakhand is emerging as a strong and scalable model for river conservation in India.
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