19th Empowered Task Force Meeting on Ganga Rejuvenation
Union Minister for Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Paatil chaired the 19th Meeting of the Empowered Task Force on River Ganga on 2 July 2026, reviewing progress under the Namami Gange Programme. The meeting was attended by MoS Jal Shakti Shri Raj Bhushan Chaudhary, senior officials from various ministries including Water Resources, Drinking Water & Sanitation, Power, Housing and Urban Affairs, and Home Affairs, as well as state government representatives from Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jharkhand.
Project Implementation and Financial Progress
The programme has sanctioned 524 projects at an estimated cost of ₹43,031 crore, with 363 projects completed to date. Under sewerage infrastructure specifically, 218 projects have been sanctioned with a treatment capacity of 6,610 MLD and sewer network of 5,233 km. Of these, 145 sewerage projects have been completed, creating and rehabilitating 4,263 MLD of treatment capacity along with over 4,611 km of sewerage network. The programme has recorded an expenditure of over ₹21,550 crore, reflecting sustained progress in project execution across Ganga Basin States.
During FY 2025–26, the programme added 538 MLD of sewage treatment capacity, taking the cumulative sewage treatment capacity created to approximately 4,260 MLD. The Minister directed States to maintain momentum for timely completion of all ongoing projects.
Specific Project Commissions and Initiatives
Notable project milestones include the commencement of trial testing of the 100 MLD Dhandhupura Sewage Treatment Plant at Agra, which will significantly reduce untreated wastewater entering River Yamuna after commissioning. The 55 MLD Bhagwanpura STP at Varanasi was commissioned and inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, incorporating a 750 kW solar power plant to meet a significant share of the plant's operational energy requirements.
Biodiversity Conservation and Ecological Measures
The programme has undertaken several biodiversity conservation initiatives including a river ranching programme organised by ICAR-CIFRI to restore native fish biodiversity in the Ganga, community-led rejuvenation of the Baya River in Bihar, and the rescue of a stranded Gangetic Dolphin using India's first Dolphin Ambulance. The number of Ramsar wetlands within the Ganga Basin has increased to 35, strengthening conservation of wetlands and aquatic biodiversity across the basin.
Scientific Water Management and Reuse Initiatives
Emphasis was placed on integrated planning of surface water and groundwater systems, with progress on developing a Standard Operating Procedure for engineered groundwater recharge along the Ganga Main Stem. The Central Ground Water Board has identified priority districts for groundwater interventions.
A major focus was on Safe Reuse of Treated Wastewater (SRTW), with completion of City-Level Reuse Action Plans (CLRAPs) for Agra, Prayagraj and Varanasi. These plans identify opportunities for utilizing treated wastewater across sectors including thermal power, railways, urban landscaping and irrigation. The Minister directed that treated wastewater must strictly conform to prescribed quality standards and undergo regular monitoring to safeguard public health and agricultural productivity.
Nature-based Solutions and Public Outreach
The meeting reviewed progress of the Constructed Wetland System being developed for in-situ remediation of the Shastri Park and Kailash Nagar drains in Delhi, involving ecological restoration measures including desilting, embankment formation, aquatic plantation and stone pitching. Extensive public outreach initiatives were noted, including large-scale awareness campaigns, plantation drives, cleanliness activities and community engagement programmes across approximately 125 Ganga districts during World Environment Day 2026.
Implementation Directives and Coordination
The Minister reviewed Action Taken Reports relating to environmental flow monitoring, sewerage infrastructure, land acquisition, DPR preparation, aerial drainage mapping, groundwater recharge interventions, sand mining management, and implementation of City Sanitation Action Plans. He directed all implementing agencies and State Governments to expedite pending activities and ensure timely compliance with ETF decisions, emphasizing that rejuvenation of River Ganga requires sustained collaboration among Central Ministries, State Governments, Urban Local Bodies, scientific institutions and local communities.