NMCG Powers Massive 538 MLD Capacity Surge as Infrastructure Milestone Transforms Ganga Basin

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has marked a period of significant infrastructural advancement during the financial year 2025-26. Sustained efforts have resulted in a considerable build-up of sewage treatment capacity and critical pollution abatement measures across the Ganga and its tributaries.

These achievements reflect a focused commitment to strengthening India's most vital river basins. Over the past year, a cumulative treatment capacity of 538.03 MLD was successfully added. This was achieved through the completion of 18 major projects in states including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Bihar.

The scale of investment underscores the national priority given to wastewater management. The projects involved a substantial outlay of nearly ₹4700 crore, demonstrating a massive commitment to reducing pollution hotspots across the Ganga basin.

Uttar Pradesh Leads Charge in Sewage Infrastructure Upgrade​

Uttar Pradesh stands out as a key contributor to the overall capacity growth. Multiple projects were implemented across major urban centers like Moradabad, Shuklaganj, Varanasi, Vrindavan, Prayagraj, and Agra.

In Varanasi alone, a dedicated STP at the Assi-BHU area added a robust 55 MLD capacity. Prayagraj saw another significant boost with an additional 43 MLD capacity. This project specifically involved the interception and diversion of 13 drains, alongside the augmentation of the Salori STP, coming at a sanctioned cost of ₹331.75 crore.

Moradabad contributed 25 MLD capacity through pollution abatement works for the Ramganga. Furthermore, the state's overall capability was bolstered by a 166 MLD addition recorded in Agra, complemented by efforts in Vrindavan and Shuklaganj.

Capacity Expansion Across Key Ganga Basin States​

Progress was uniformly recorded across all five core Ganga basin states. Uttarakhand saw targeted improvements in wastewater management, particularly in the Udham Singh Nagar project, which added 10.3 MLD capacity. Dehradun's Sapera Basti project added another 15 MLD.

Jharkhand recorded steady progress with the completion of the I&D and STP project in Phusro. This vital addition boosted treatment capacity by 14 MLD, at a sanctioned cost of ₹61.05 crore.

In West Bengal, the Maheshtala project emerged as a major contributor, adding 35 MLD capacity with an investment of ₹286.97 crore. Additional projects in Jangipur (13 MLD) and Chakdah (15 MLD) further reinforced pollution abatement efforts in the lower Ganga basin.

Bihar also showed significant capacity additions. Projects in Kankarbagh, Digha, and Bhagalpur contributed substantial capacity increases of 35 MLD, 30 MLD, and 22.5 MLD, respectively. These localized efforts are crucial for addressing urban wastewater challenges.

Launch of Digital Tools Boosts Monitoring Transparency​

To enhance accountability and real-time oversight, the NMCG has leveraged digitalization. The introduction of the Drain Dashboard is a key technological intervention. This digital tool tracks the tapping status of drains and the diversion of sewage to STPs, allowing for immediate identification of pollution risks.

Equally critical is the Ganga Pulse Public Portal. This public-facing platform monitors STP infrastructure across the five basin states. It ensures transparency by displaying real-time data on four key parameters: pH, BOD, and TSS. The portal provides readings from both the entry point (Inlet) and the discharge point (Outlet), enabling robust assessment of treatment efficiency and compliance levels.

Strategic Focus Ensures Future Resilience​

The comprehensive effort demonstrates a strategic and regionally balanced implementation approach. The substantial capacity created during the last fiscal year not only addresses immediate environmental deficits but also builds necessary resilience.

The continued emphasis on structured, multi-city projects, including those under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), points toward sustained improvements in wastewater management. This multi-faceted strategy positions the NMCG to meet future demands arising from rapid urban growth, paving the way for a cleaner and healthier Ganga.