Jal Shakti Ministry launches a portal to ecologically monitor river Ganga during the review of the Namami Gange Mission projects.
Environmental flows or E-flows Monitoring System
- About: This system allows real-time analysis of water quality in the Ganga, Yamuna, and their tributaries.
- It is an integral component of the PRAYAG portal, which monitors water quality and sewage treatment facility performance along the Ganga River.
- Developed by: The National Mission for Clean Ganga, an arm of the Jal Shakti Ministry.
- Use:
- Water Quality Analysis: It enables Real-time analysis of the water quality of the Ganga, Yamuna, and their tributaries. The river water quality is also monitored at various locations.
- Monitoring of Namami Ganga Programme: It also allows monitoring of the Namami Gange programme activities at the central level.
- Ensuring optimal performance of STP’s: This includes monitoring the performance of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), and ensuring that they operate at their rated capacity.
- Planning of Projects: This will aid the planning and monitoring of projects, river water quality, and other key parameters
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Need for E-Flow Monitoring Systems
- Concerns about impeding flow: There were concerns raised by several environmentalist groups that dams along various stretches of the river were impeding its flow and destroying its ecology.
- Mandate of the Centre: In 2018, the Centre mandated minimum e-flow for various stretches of the Ganga river to be maintained year-round.
- Specifications laid down by NMCG: The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) laid down the flow specifications essential for preserving the river’s ecological balance, safeguarding aquatic life, and ensuring sustainability amidst diverse water usage demands.
Namami Ganga Programme
- The Namami Gange programme is a flagship programme of the Jal Shakti Ministry that involved cleaning the Ganga and now includes its tributaries.
- The program would be implemented by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), and its state counterpart organisations i.e State Program Management Groups (SPMGs).
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- Ensure Sustainable flow of Ganga River: It is a significant step towards ensuring the continuous and sustainable flow of the Ganga River.
- Track Key Parameters: This system is intended to monitor critical parameters of the Ganga river’s flow using data obtained from the Central Water Commission across 11 projects along the Ganga mainstream.
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Conclusion
Innovative solutions are needed to ensure the Ganga river’s ecological health through effective monitoring and management measures.
June 19, 2024