Question

The ‘Namami Gange Programme’ is an Integrated Conservation Mission approved by the Union Government in:
1. June 2014 
2. October 2013
3. April 2013
4. January 2014 

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : June 2014 

The correct answer is June 2014.

• Namami Gange Programme is an Integrated Conservation Mission, approved as ‘Flagship Programme’ by the Union Government in June 2014 with budget outlay of Rs.20,000 Crore to accomplish the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution, conservation and rejuvenation of national River Ganga. 
• Salient features of "Namami Gange" programme
  • Over Rs. 20,000 crore has been sanctioned in the 2014-2015 budget for the next 5 years.
  • It will cover 8 states, 47 towns &12 rivers under the project.
  • Over 1,632-gram panchayats on the banks of Ganga to be made open defecation-free by 2022.
  • Several ministries are working with the nodal Water Resources Ministry for this project includes - Environment, Urban Development, Shipping, Tourism and Rural Development Ministries.
  • Prime focus will be on involving people living on the river's banks in this project.
  • Under the aegis of National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) & State Program Management Groups (SPMGs) States and Urban Local Bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions will be involved in this project.
  • Setting a river-centric urban planning process to facilitate better citizen connects, through interventions at Ghats and Riverfronts.
  • Expansion of coverage of sewerage infrastructure in 118 urban habitations on banks of Ganga.
  • Development of rational agricultural practices & efficient irrigation methods and Ganga Knowledge Centre.
• In order to implement Namami Gange Programme, a three-tier mechanism has been proposed for project monitoring comprising of; 
  • ​A high-level task force chaired by Cabinet Secretary assisted by NMCG at the national level.
  • State level committee chaired by Chief Secretary assisted by SPMG at the state level, and
  • District level committee chaired by the District Magistrate.
• NMCG shall carry out the following key functions:-
  • Implement the work program of National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA).
  • Implement the World Bank supported National Ganga River Basin Project.
  • Coordinate and oversee the implementation of projects sanctioned by Government of India under NGRBA.
  • Undertake any additional work or functions as may be assigned by Ministry of Water Resources, Rural development & GJ in the area of conservation of river Ganga.
  • Make rules and regulations for the conduct of the affairs of the NMCG and add or amend, vary or rescind them from time to time.
  • Accept or to provide any grant of money, loan securities or property of any kind and to undertake and accept the management of any endowment trust, fund or donation not inconsistent with the objectives of NMCG.
  • Take all such action and to enter all such actions as may appear necessary or incidental for the achievements of the objectives of the NGRBA.