Minister Paatil commended the completion of 15 pollution abatement infrastructure projects in 2025, highlighting strong coordination and focused implementation. Uttar Pradesh led with six completed projects, followed by Bihar with four and West Bengal with three, while Uttarakhand and Delhi completed one project each. These achievements mark significant progress in improving water quality and river health.
Innovative Technology Initiatives
The meeting emphasized the adoption of advanced geospatial and monitoring technologies, including aerial surveys for drainage mapping and a GIS-based Drain Dashboard featuring 2D and 3D visualizations. The dashboard enables real-time basin-level pollution monitoring, identification of hotspots, and prioritization of drain remediation, integrating LiDAR data with drone videography for precise planning.
To enhance compliance, NMCG is introducing CCTV-based real-time monitoring of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with AI-enabled feature extraction. These initiatives complement existing Online Continuous Effluent Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) integrated with the public Ganga Pulse dashboard, adding a critical visual and operational oversight layer.
Reuse of Treated Wastewater and Sustainable Practices
Minister Paatil directed states to expedite policies for safe reuse of treated water and set clear targets aligned with national frameworks. The meeting also highlighted initiatives such as aquifer mapping, bioremediation, innovative sewerage treatment projects, and Central Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) as vital for sustainable river management.
Public Engagement and River-Sensitive Urban Development
The Minister praised weekly cleanliness drives under “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” as part of Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 and commended public disclosure of STP performance via Ganga Pulse. Efforts under the River City Alliance (RCA), in collaboration with UN Habitat, focus on flood management, nature-based solutions, and climate-resilient urban planning.
Financial Discipline and Stakeholder Collaboration
The ETF approved NMCG’s annual accounts, lauding the reduction in pending utilization certificates and financial discipline. Minister Paatil emphasized continued coordination among states and departments to ensure effective implementation of targeted interventions for Ganga rejuvenation.