12-December-2023-Special Article

NATIONAL MISSION FOR CLEAN GANGA

In a significant move towards global river conservation efforts, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has collaborated with the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI) to address shared concerns related to river protection and management. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Common Purpose (MoCP), reflects the commitment of river-centric initiatives worldwide. The alliance between NMCG and MRCTI is crucial for fostering international cooperation in preserving river ecosystems.

Key Collaborators:

National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG):

Establishment: Formed as a society under the Societies Registration Act in 2011.

Objective: Implementation arm for the rejuvenation of the Ganga River, focusing on pollution reduction and sustainable development.

Initiatives: Leads programs like Namami Gange, emphasizing intersectoral coordination and ecological flow in the Ganga.

Structure: Envisages a five-tier structure, including the National Ganga Council, Empowered Task Force, NMCG, State Ganga Committees, and District Ganga Committees.

Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI):

Formation: Established in 2012 to advocate for effective protection and restoration of the Mississippi River.

Focus Areas: Addresses water quality, habitat restoration, flooding, river-focused recreation, sustainable economies, and celebration of river culture.

Membership: Represents 124 cities and towns along the Mississippi River in the United States.

International Collaboration: Collaboration formalized through the MoCP, marking a pivotal moment at COP28 in Dubai.

River Cities Alliance (RCA):

Initiative: Joint effort of the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Vision: Connects river cities for sustainable river-centric development.

Themes: Focuses on Networking, Capacity Building, and Technical Support.

Expansion: Started with 30 member cities, now expanded to 110 river cities in India and one international member from Denmark.

Objective: Facilitates knowledge exchange among cities for urban river management practices.

           Objective of Collaboration:

The collaboration aims to foster international cooperation and knowledge exchange on effective river protection, restoration, and management. By bringing together the experiences of NMCG, MRCTI, and RCA, the initiative seeks to enhance sustainable river-centric development globally.

Other River Rejuvenation Initiatives in India:

Ganga Action Plan (1985): Aimed at improving water quality through the interception, diversion, and treatment of domestic sewage.

National River Conservation Plan: An extension to the Ganga Action Plan, focusing on cleaning the Ganga River under Phase 2.

National Water Mission (2010): Ensures integrated water resource management for water conservation, reduced wastage, and equitable distribution.

Clean Ganga Fund (2014): Formed to clean up the Ganga, establish waste treatment plants, and conserve the biodiversity of the river.

Bhuvan-Ganga Web App: Engages the public in monitoring pollution entering the Ganga, enhancing community participation.

Ban on Waste Disposal (2017): National Green Tribunal imposed a ban on waste disposal in the Ganga, reinforcing environmental protection measures.

Conclusion:

The collaboration between NMCG and MRCTI, endorsed by the River Cities Alliance, signifies a crucial step towards global cooperation in river conservation. By sharing expertise and best practices, the initiative aims to address challenges related to river protection, restoration, and sustainable development. This collaboration aligns with the broader goal of fostering international partnerships to ensure the health and longevity of river ecosystems worldwide.

Mains Question:

1. Discuss the significance of the collaboration between the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI) in the context of global river conservation. How can such international alliances contribute to the effective protection and restoration of river ecosystems? Analyze the key initiatives and structures of NMCG that underline its commitment to the rejuvenation of the Ganga River. (150 WORDS)