Impact of Namami Gange Programme on Kanpur City Sanitation

Abstract

The river Ganga, particularly in the city of Kanpur, is facing severe pollution and degradation due to rapid urbanization, industrialization, and inadequate sanitation practices. The city's population growth and industrial activities have put tremendous pressure on the river, leading to the contamination of its water and degradation of its ecosystem. The pollution is primarily caused by the discharge of untreated municipal sewage and industrial effluents into the river. The lack of proper sanitation infrastructure and practices has further exacerbated the problem. The existing water bodies and natural habitats in Kanpur have been adversely affected, posing significant challenges to the sustainability of the city's environment and public health. The pollution levels in the Ganga River, especially in Kanpur, have reached alarming levels, leading to a decline in water quality and biodiversity. To address these issues and restore the purity and ecological balance of the Ganga River, the Indian government has launched the Namami Gange Programme. The program aims to effectively abate pollution, conserve, and rejuvenate the river through various initiatives, including the implementation of sewage treatment plants (STPs), ghat development, surface cleaning, afforestation, sanitation, and public awareness campaigns. This study focuses on assessing the impact of the sanitation schemes implemented under the Namami Gange mission in Kanpur city. It aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the projects in improving sanitation practices, reducing pollution levels, and contributing to the rejuvenation of the Ganga River. The assessment will provide insights into the progress made, identify challenges faced, and suggest potential measures to further enhance the impact of the sanitation initiatives in Kanpur.