PIB Summary- 8th March, 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

A Holistic Approach for Cleanliness of River Ganga

Context

The Namami Gange Programme is a flagship initiative launched in 2014-15 to rejuvenate the Ganga River and its tributaries through pollution control and ecological conservation.

Introduction

• The Namami Gange Programme was launched in 2014-15 as an integrated conservation mission for the rejuvenation of River Ganga and its tributaries.
• The programme initially had a budget of ₹20,000 crore for five years (till March 2021) and was later extended to March 2026 with an increased budget of ₹22,500 crore.
• For 2025-26, the National Ganga Plan has an outlay of ₹3,400 crore to improve sewage treatment, water quality, and industrial waste management.

Ganga: India’s Lifeline

• The Ganga River is a cultural and economic lifeline but faces severe pollution and excessive water usage.
• The Ganga River Basin covers 27% of India’s landmass and supports 47% of its population across 11 states.
• Despite receiving 35.5% of India’s total precipitation, it is the second most water-stressed basin after the Sabarmati Basin.

Vision for Ganga Rejuvenation

• The mission focuses on:
  • “Aviral Dhara” – Ensuring continuous flow.
  • “Nirmal Dhara” – Achieving pollution-free water.
  • Maintaining the geological and ecological balance.
• A Ganga River Basin Management Plan (GRBMP) was developed by a consortium of seven IITs, promoting an Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) approach.

Key Interventions

• Pollution Control (Nirmal Ganga) – Reducing sources of pollution.
• Improving Flow (Aviral Ganga) – Enhancing ecological health and continuous water flow.
• Community Engagement (Jan Ganga) – Strengthening public involvement.
• Research & Policy Support (Gyan Ganga) – Encouraging scientific studies and evidence-based policy-making.

Conservation and Biodiversity Efforts

• Seven biodiversity parks in seven districts of Uttar Pradesh and five priority wetlands in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand have been sanctioned.
• Forestry projects covering 33,024 hectares implemented with an expenditure of ₹398 crore.
• 143.8 lakh Indian Major Carp (IMC) fingerlings released into the Ganga to improve fish biodiversity and dolphin conservation.

Sewerage & Industrial Pollution Control

• 203 sewerage infrastructure projects worth ₹32,613 crore taken up, with 6,255 MLD treatment capacity.
• 127 STPs completed, adding 3,446 MLD capacity.
• Three Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) sanctioned for Jajmau (20 MLD), Banther (4.5 MLD), and Mathura (6.25 MLD), with two completed.

Conclusion

• The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) continues to make significant progress in restoring the river’s ecological balance.
• The use of global expertise, sustainable projects, and community engagement is helping to achieve the goal of a clean and thriving Ganga for future generations.

“Sarpanch Pati” Culture Under Spotlight in New Digital Campaign

Context

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has launched a campaign to eliminate proxy representation and empower women in local governance. It partnered with TVF to create digital content highlighting these issues.

What is ‘Sarpanch Pati’ Culture?

• ‘Sarpanch Pati’ refers to the unofficial representation of elected women leaders by their male relatives (husbands, fathers, or brothers) in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
• It undermines the constitutional mandate of women’s reservation in PRIs, making them nominal leaders while men wield actual power.
• This practice dilutes women’s political empowerment, preventing them from actively participating in governance and decision-making.

Implications of ‘Sarpanch Pati’ Culture

• Weakens Democratic Representation: Elected women remain passive while male relatives take charge, reducing meaningful participation.
• Hinders Women’s Leadership Growth: Women remain dependent on male family members, preventing leadership skill development.
• Undermines Policy Implementation: Policies addressing women’s issues, healthcare, education, and social welfare are often neglected.
• Reduces Accountability: Since men act as proxies, genuine responsibility and accountability are compromised in governance.

How to Empower Women in Panchayati Raj?

• Capacity Building: Conduct leadership training programs for women representatives to boost confidence and governance skills.
• Legal and Institutional Safeguards: Implement stricter laws to penalize proxy governance and ensure women actively exercise their powers.
• Digital & Technological Interventions: Use technology to promote transparency, ensuring direct participation of women in decision-making.
• Financial Independence: Strengthen financial training and budgetary control for women representatives to promote self-reliance in governance.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate communities to challenge gender biases and promote genuine women-led governance.