Madhya Pradesh Rivers Pollution | 17 Apr 2024

Why in News?

Pollution is on the rise in numerous major rivers across Madhya Pradesh, presenting a grave concern for the state's environmental health.

Key Points

  • The cleanliness of key rivers like Narmada, Kshipra, and Betwa has been a recurring issue in Lok Sabha, Assembly, and urban body elections over the past 15 years.
  • Despite the implementation of various schemes such as the Namami Gange Mission and National River Conservation, pollution levels continue to rise due to a lack of interest and commitment from regional public representatives and responsible officials.
    • The condition of the Narmada River, considered the lifeline of Madhya Pradesh, is particularly dire in terms of pollution.
    • In addition to the Narmada, other significant rivers like Mahi, Tapti, Kali Sindh, Chambal, Parbati, Dhasan, Ken, Sindh, Kuno, Shipra, Betwa, and the Son River - the largest tributary joining the Ganga from the south - are also experiencing increasing pollution levels.

Namami Gange

  • Namami Gange Programme is an Integrated Conservation Mission, approved as a ‘Flagship Programme’ by the Union Government in June 2014 to accomplish the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution and conservation and rejuvenation of National River Ganga.
  • It is being operated under the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
  • The program is being implemented by the NMCG and its state counterpart organizations i.e State Program Management Groups (SPMGs).
  • In phase 2 of Namami Gange Programme (2021-26), the states will focus on expeditious completion of projects and preparation of bankable Detailed Project Report (DPR) for projects in Ganga tributary towns, cutting down delays.
    • Focus is also being given to the revival of small rivers and wetlands.
    • For the future, each Ganga district is to develop scientific plans and health cards for at least 10 wetlands and adopt policies for reuse of treated water and other by-products.

National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)

  • NRCP is a centrally funded scheme launched in 1995 aimed at preventing the pollution of rivers.
  • Programs for river conservation are being implemented under National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) and NGRBA (National Ganga River Basin Authority).
    • The National Ganga Council, also known as the National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection, and Management of River Ganga, has replaced the NRGBA.