Underutilized Funds and Incomplete Projects: The Challenges of the Namami Gange Programme

The Namami Gange Programme struggles with underutilization of allocated funds and incomplete projects, as an analysis reveals only 69% of funds were used. Issues such as industrial waste, inadequate sewage treatment capacity, and project inefficiencies highlight ongoing challenges despite efforts and new allocations by the Union Jal Shakti Ministry.

An analysis by PRS Legislative Research highlights significant challenges in the Namami Gange Programme, revealing that only 69 per cent of allocated funds have been utilized by 2024-25. The initiative, launched to clean the Ganga River, faces persistent industrial pollution and insufficient sewage treatment capabilities, despite ongoing efforts to address these issues.

The Central Pollution Control Board noted that non-compliant industries and a lack of adequate sewage treatment significantly contribute to continued water pollution. While projects have been sanctioned to improve the sewage treatment capacity to 7,000 million litres per day, only half of this target has been achieved, indicating a major hurdle in the programme's execution.

Additionally, the analysis points to inefficiencies in fund management and project implementation, with the Public Accounts Committee observing delays and underutilization of resources. Despite increased budget allocations in the upcoming fiscal periods, notably for the Jal Jeevan Mission, achieving comprehensive water resource management remains a challenging task for the Union Jal Shakti Ministry.