Status Of Namami Gange Programme And Progress

25 Mar 2026 CW Team

Since its inception in June 2014 the Namami Gange Programme has disbursed Rs 213,400 mn to implementing agencies up to 15 March 2026, of which Rs 160,259.7 mn were for sewage treatment projects. The Government implemented Phase I through March 2021 and sanctioned Phase II until March 2026. A total of 524 projects have been sanctioned and 355 projects, representing 68 per cent, were completed by February 2026 with 208 completions in the last five years.

In the last five years 76 sewerage infrastructure projects with a combined treatment capacity of 3,200 MLD have been completed and 71 new projects were sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 126,410 mn to add 2,210 MLD of treatment capacity. Two industrial pollution abatement projects at Mathura and Jajmau with capacities of 6.25 MLD and 20 MLD have been completed. Forestry interventions have afforested 33,024 hectares with expenditure of Rs 4,140 mn.

Conservation measures included seven biodiversity parks in Uttar Pradesh and five priority wetlands across three states, and the ranching of 20.3 mn Indian Major Carp fingerlings to conserve fish biodiversity. Species restoration and rescue programmes have shown improved sightings, with a nationwide Ganges dolphin population estimated at 6,324 from surveys covering 8,507 km. India’s first dolphin rescue ambulance launched in January 2026 enabled the rescue and release of eight Gangetic dolphins.

The Central Pollution Control Board monitored water quality at 112 locations on the main stem across five states and reported that pH and dissolved oxygen meet bathing norms at all monitored sites. Biochemical oxygen demand broadly conforms to bathing criteria in several states though certain stretches in Uttar Pradesh remain non conforming, and biomonitoring at 50 locations on the Ganga and 26 on the Yamuna found biological water quality predominantly from good to moderate, according to the Minister of State for Jal Shakti in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

Infrastructure Transport

06 May 2026

Pune To Build Nine Km Link Road Between Highways

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to appoint an expert to plan the development of a nine km long, 60 metre wide road from Khadi Machine chowk to Wadki chowk as an extension to the Katraj-Kondhwa road to link the Mumbai-Satara and Pune-Solapur national highways. The scheme is intended to divert heavy vehicle traffic away from the city and improve access between the two arterial routes. The project has been prioritised by the PMC and forms part of a larger set of schemes in which 19 roads have been identified for development at a combined cost of Rs 9.82 billion (bn) to address c..

Barabanki Bahraich Six Lane Highway Approved in Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved construction of a new six-lane highway linking Barabanki and Bahraich as part of National Highway 927, and the cabinet has cleared the project. The alignment will pass through Mustafabad and Kaiserganj and extend for about 101.5 km, creating a key corridor for local and long-distance movement. The National Highways Authority of India will oversee the work and has signalled the scheme is intended to strengthen regional connectivity and cross-border access to Nepal. The project carries an estimated total cost of Rs 69,690 million, equivalent to Rs 69.69..

Toll At Kharegaon Likely As Highway Upgrade Nears Completion

A section of the highway at Kharegaon has undergone an upgrade and is approaching completion, and authorities have indicated plans for a toll to be introduced once works finish. The project has focused on strengthening the carriageway, improving drainage and upgrading intersections to enhance safety and capacity. Officials have said the toll will be used to recover construction costs and fund ongoing maintenance. The upgrade included resurfacing of the pavement, widening of certain stretches and installation of modern signage and lighting to reduce accident risk. Contractors completed most ma..