Submitted by-

Satwik Ray
211109042
B.Planning 5th Sem

Namami Gange

About the Study:- A cadre of local communities called "Ganga Praharis" has
been established to reduce direct dependency and mainstream local communities in
conservation efforts. 1304 Ganga Praharis have been registered, and they are
trained in ecological monitoring, tree plantation, alternate livelihood skills, and
community mobilization. Ganga Praharis' involvement promotes local pride and a
sense of belonging towards the Ganga River ecosystem. They are actively engaged
in various activities for biodiversity protection, cleanliness, and resource extraction
practices. The Pravasi Ganga Prahari cadre includes citizens from 17 countries,
providing a platform for NRIs, Foreign Nationals, OCIs, and PIOs. Additionally, a
Ganga Prahari Mentor platform has been established with 261 registered mentors.
A cadre for school children, Bal Ganga Praharis, has been created, with 64 schools
identified and over 9000 students sensitized under 74 programs. Ganga Praharis
have been actively involved in distributing food, hand sanitizers, masks, and
creating awareness during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also participated in an
interactive session with government officials. The Ganga Praharis' efforts have
received acknowledgment and support from government officials, emphasizing the
need for sustainable livelihood programs and further development. It discusses the
importance of river basins for planning water resource projects, specifically
focusing on the Ganga River basin and its extensive coverage across India, Tibet,
Nepal, and Bangladesh. The Namami Gange Programme is a holistic approach for
the clean-up of the Ganga River, including activities such as sewage treatment,
industrial effluent treatment, surface cleaning, afforestation, biodiversity
conservation, and public awareness. A rafting and kayaking expedition, covering
the entire stretch of the Ganga River, was conducted to raise awareness about river
rejuvenation and water conservation. The expedition received support from
government officials, including the Home Minister. The Ganga-Doots project
involves the active participation of youth, with 20,000 youths deployed as
Cleanliness Ambassadors in 29 districts along the Ganga River. Their activities
include plantation, awareness programs, and food distribution. An online quiz
called Ganga Quest 2020 has been organized by the National Mission for Clean
Ganga, engaging participants above the age of 10 worldwide. It discusses the
Ganga Quest initiative and the Ganga Knowledge Centre (GKC), both integral
parts of the Namami Gange mission for Ganga river conservation. Ganga Quest
aims to engage the youth in building knowledge, awareness, and a sustainable
attitude toward river ecosystems. The GKC, established by the National Mission
for Clean Ganga (NMCG), focuses on evolving the knowledge base for Ganga
conservation through research, stakeholder engagement, and awareness building.
Activities include data analysis, research innovation, stakeholder dialogue, and
capacity building. The Ganga's cultural significance is highlighted, emphasizing its
role in Hindu rites and its sacred mystique. The NMCG sponsors a project to
document the cultural heritage along the river. The text also touches upon the
estuarine crocodile population in the Ganga Basin. Furthermore, the text mentions
a partnership with the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) for Faecal
Sludge & Septage Management in the Ganga Basin. CSE is actively involved in
citywide sanitation and capacity building, aiming to showcase improvements in
urban sanitation and river pollution abatement.
Need for this mission:- The Namami Gange Mission was formed with the
primary objective of rejuvenating and conserving the Ganga river, which is
considered sacred and culturally significant in India. The mission was launched by
the Government of India to address the numerous challenges and issues affecting
the Ganga and its ecosystem. Several factors contributed to the formation of the
Namami Gange Mission:
Water Pollution: The Ganga river has been facing severe pollution due to the
discharge of untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and other pollutants. This
pollution not only poses a threat to the environment but also affects the health and
well-being of communities dependent on the river.
Deteriorating Water Quality: Over the years, the water quality of the Ganga has
deteriorated significantly, leading to concerns about the ecological health of the
river and its impact on downstream areas.
Cultural and Religious Significance: The Ganga holds immense cultural and
religious importance in India. It is considered sacred by millions of people, and its
waters are used for various religious rituals. The degradation of the Ganga was
seen as a threat to these cultural and religious practices.
Economic Impact: The Ganga basin supports a large population, and its
degradation has economic implications for the communities relying on the river for
agriculture, fishing, and other livelihoods.
Lack of Infrastructure: Inadequate sewage treatment and waste disposal
infrastructure contributed to the pollution of the Ganga. The mission aimed to
address these deficiencies and create sustainable solutions for waste management.
Erosion of Biodiversity: The declining health of the Ganga ecosystem had led to
the loss of biodiversity, affecting aquatic and terrestrial life. Conservation efforts
were needed to restore and protect the rich biodiversity of the river.
Integrated Approach: The Namami Gange Mission was designed to take an
integrated and holistic approach, involving multiple stakeholders, government
agencies, and the public in the conservation efforts.

Objectives:- Sewerage Infrastructure: Improve and create adequate sewage

treatment infrastructure to prevent untreated sewage from flowing into the Ganga.
Industrial Effluent Monitoring: Monitor and regulate industrial discharges into the
Ganga to control water pollution.
Riverfront Development: Develop and beautify the riverfront areas to enhance
public access and promote tourism.
Afforestation: Implement afforestation and biodiversity conservation programs to
restore and protect the natural ecosystems in the Ganga basin.
Public Awareness: Raise public awareness about the importance of the Ganga and
promote community participation in its conservation.
Crematoria Modernization: Upgrade and modernize crematoria along the Ganga to
ensure the proper disposal of mortal remains and reduce environmental impact.
River Surface Cleaning: Undertake regular and systematic cleaning of the river
surface to remove floating solid waste and debris.
Biodiversity Conservation: Implement measures for the conservation of aquatic
and terrestrial biodiversity in the Ganga river basin.
Research and Development: Promote research and development activities related
to Ganga conservation, including scientific studies, technological innovations, and
knowledge dissemination.
Institutional Development: Strengthen institutions involved in Ganga conservation
and management to ensure effective coordination and implementation of
conservation efforts.
Water Quality Monitoring: Establish a robust water quality monitoring system to
assess and maintain water quality standards in the Ganga.
Outcomes:- Improved Water Quality: The mission focuses on reducing pollution
and improving the water quality of the Ganga. Efforts include the treatment of
sewage and industrial effluents, promotion of eco-friendly practices, and the use of
modern technology for pollution monitoring.
Sewage Treatment Infrastructure: The mission aims to enhance sewage treatment
infrastructure along the Ganga basin, ensuring that untreated sewage is not
discharged directly into the river. Construction and upgrading of sewage treatment
plants (STPs) and decentralized treatment systems are part of these efforts.
Riverfront Development: The mission includes projects for the beautification and
development of riverfronts, creating public spaces, recreational areas, and
amenities. This contributes to the overall improvement of the riverine environment
and enhances the quality of life for communities along the Ganga.
Biodiversity Conservation: Conservation and restoration of the biodiversity of the
Ganga river and its tributaries are important outcomes. This involves habitat
preservation, afforestation, and measures to protect and revive aquatic life.
Public Awareness and Participation: The mission encourages public participation
and awareness about the importance of Ganga conservation. Educational programs,
campaigns, and community involvement aim to instill a sense of responsibility
among the public towards the sustainable use and protection of the Ganga.
Institutional Strengthening: Namami Gange focuses on strengthening institutions
involved in Ganga conservation. This includes establishing the Ganga Knowledge
Centre (GKC) to support research, knowledge dissemination, and stakeholder
engagement.
Innovative Research: The GKC undertakes research initiatives to enhance the
scientific understanding of river ecosystems. This research informs decision-
making processes related to Ganga conservation and rejuvenation.
Cultural Mapping: Efforts are made to document and promote the cultural and
religious heritage associated with the Ganga. This involves mapping cultural
events, architectural heritage, and natural heritage along the river's course.
Faecal Sludge and Septage Management: The mission addresses issues related to
sanitation and hygiene by promoting effective faecal sludge and septage
management. This includes capacity building, training programs, and the
development of model documents for urban sanitation.
Partnerships and Collaboration: Namami Gange fosters collaborations with
national and international organizations, academic institutions, NGOs, and other
stakeholders. These partnerships contribute to the pooling of resources, expertise,
and innovative solutions for Ganga conservation.
 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
A PRACTITIONER'S GUIDE

Introduction:-The provided text highlights the challenges posed by rapid

urbanization in India, emphasizing its impact on various aspects of the
environment, particularly water resources. The urban population's increasing
awareness of quality of life factors puts stress on utilities, water distribution, and
sewerage systems. This strain extends to green spaces, recreational areas,
aesthetics, and heritage conservation. The limited availability of space for new
developments exacerbates these challenges. The text notes that India has
experienced a manifold increase in population and urbanization, leading to a
housing deficit of 23 million units. This urban expansion contributes to a range of
issues, including flooding. Over 40 million hectares in India are flood prone, with
increased economic activities and urbanization in floodplains exacerbating the
problem. Major cities located on riverbanks face the consequences of
encroachment, impervious surfaces, and inadequate stormwater drainage systems.
Water scarcity is a pressing concern, with groundwater being a crucial resource for
agriculture, drinking water, and industrial use. The text emphasizes the impact of
urbanization on water bodies, leading to reduced percolation, increased runoff, and
a higher risk of floods. The economic, social, and environmental consequences of
declining water quality in wetlands are also highlighted. The importance of green
spaces in urban areas is stressed, with comparisons to global standards revealing
shortcomings in both quantity and quality of urban open spaces in Indian cities.
The discrepancy between designated green spaces in master plans and
recommended percentages according to guidelines is noted.

Need of this guide:-1. Introduction to Green Infrastructure (GI):

• Emphasizes the crucial role of urban green spaces in enhancing the
environment and human wellbeing.
• Positions Green Infrastructure (GI) as a 'smart' method for natural
conservation and urban planning.
2. Significance of Open Green Spaces:
• Stresses that open green spaces are not a luxury but a necessity for both
environmental quality and human wellbeing.
3. Limitations of Conventional Storm Water Management:
• Highlights the conventional focus on underground drainage systems for
stormwater management.
• Acknowledges the inadequacy of these systems, especially in coping with
extreme rainfall events.
4. Climate Change Impact on Storm Water Management:
• Points out the increasing frequency of extreme rainfall events due to
projected climate change.
• States that reliance solely on conventional stormwater management systems
is becoming unsustainable.
5. Role of Urban Green Spaces in Storm Water Management:
• Presents the augmentation of urban green spaces as an effective strategy to
mitigate the adverse impacts of urbanization on the hydrological cycle.
6. Benefits of Green Spaces in Urban Areas:
• Describes how green spaces enhance natural hydrological systems in urban
areas.
• Highlights the role of green spaces in reducing peak flows from storms,
thereby preventing flooding.
7. Economic and Environmental Benefits:
• Argues that expanding urban green spaces is not only costeffective but also
environmentally friendly.
• Suggests that this approach can improve the resiliency and sustainability of
cities.
Objective of guide:- Objective 1
 Understanding green infrastructure, including its definition, and recognizing its
multiple benefits. Also, staying updated on the evolving international knowledge
related to green infrastructure.
Objective 2
Addressing urban issues in India with a specific focus on green spaces. Exploring
the value of green infrastructure and illustrating concepts with relevant case
studies.
Objective 3
Providing guidance on using the participant's guide, including planning targets and
measures aligned with different typologies of urban areas. Supporting explanations
with case examples. Discussing the scope of green infrastructure interventions in
Indian cities and providing instructions on utilizing the practitioner's guide.
Case study:- 1. Case Study 1:
Name: Okhla Barrage–Haryana, Delhi
Location: Okhla Barrage, Haryana, Delhi
Key Learnings: Information about the proposed land use and development
around Okhla Barrage to manage the Yamuna River Zone 'O' in Delhi.
2. Case Study 2:
Name: Bellandur and Varthur Lakes Rejuvenation Blueprint
Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Key Learnings: Addresses the pollution issues of Bellandur and Varthur lakes in
Bengaluru, proposing strategies like water quality management, clearing
encroachments, and strengthening public organizations for lake conservation.
3. Case Study 3:
Name: Blueprint for Water Augmentation in Delhi
Location: Delhi
Key Learnings: A comprehensive plan from 1999 for water augmentation in
Delhi, emphasizing water security through various components like onchannel
storage, offchannel storage, floodplain reservoirs, and more.
4. Case Study 4:
Name: Mount Abu Ecosensitive Area
Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Key Learnings: Demonstrates an ecological approach to planning in Mount Abu,
assessing geomorphology, drainage, vegetation, land cover, water, soils, and
wildlife to guide development in sensitive landscapes.
5. Case Study 5:
Name: SMART City Proposals for Green Areas of New Delhi (NDMC Area)
Location: New Delhi
Key Learnings: As part of the SMART city mission, focuses on the
redevelopment of the New Delhi City Center with initiatives like open gyms, rose
gardens, and public recreation spaces.
Outcome:- Provides a comprehensive overview of Green Infrastructure (GI)
solutions for water management.
Targets practitioners in both governmental and nongovernmental institutions.
Audience and Purpose:
Designed to raise awareness about GI among practitioners.
Aims to promote the inclusion of GI solutions in the urban fabric, particularly in
the context of water management infrastructure.
Applicability in India:
Leverages research work and case studies from India.
Demonstrates that GI solutions can be planned based on a thorough analysis of
urban areas, highlighting the potential within existing developed areas.
Decision Making Support:
Aims to assist decisionmakers in evaluating options related to GI implementation.
Provides guidance on determining where, when, and to what extent GI practices
should be integrated into future planning and development, including
redevelopment projects.
Community Benefits Recognition:
Emphasizes the recognition of GI's benefits by decisionmakers.
Encourages municipalities to consider GI solutions not only for stormwater
management but also for additional community benefits.
Holistic Urban Development:
Suggests that incorporating GI into urban planning can lead to more holistic and
sustainable development. Positions GI as a multifaceted approach that goes beyond
addressing water management issues, benefiting communities in various ways.
 RIVER CENTRIC URBAN PLANNING GUIDELINES

Sewage Management: The increasing gap between sewage generation and

treatment capacity poses a water crisis in urban areas, impacting river health. The
guidelines stress the importance of mainstreaming river health into urban planning.
Urban River Definition: Urban rivers face degradation due to urbanization,
resulting in poor water quality, limited access, and the formation of slums.
Successful international examples, like riverfront developments in Portland and
Tokyo, are cited.
Waterfront Development: Urban waterfronts can be transformed for various
purposes such as recreational spaces and retail centers. Mixed-use development
along waterfronts is considered beneficial for community access and economic
development.
Ministry Initiative: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is directed to
prepare guidelines for river water conservation and front development. Urban
River Management Plans are proposed to integrate river health into urban
planning.
Floodplain Challenges: Urban expansion and construction on floodplains lead to
ecosystem damage, reduced groundwater recharge, and increased flood risks.
Channelization practices, although done for flood prevention, may harm river
health.
Water Quality Concerns: Indiscriminate discharge of wastewater, including
industrial effluents, degrades water quality. The guidelines stress the environmental
impact, especially on agricultural land, and propose sustainable wastewater
management.
Biodiversity Impact: Reduction of vegetative coverage, human encroachment, and
altered flow regimes negatively impact river biodiversity. The guidelines
underscore the need for holistic planning to preserve riverine ecosystems.
Regulation Efforts: Historical and contemporary efforts, including acts and
policies, are mentioned to regulate developmental activities on floodplains and
conserve rivers.
The guidelines for river-centric urban planning emphasize environmental
conservation, floodplain zoning, and sustainable development along riverbanks.
The Central Water Commission proposed floodplain zoning in 1975, and the
National Water Policy of 2012 addresses river conservation. Various state
governments, like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, have implemented regulations to
control industrial activities near water bodies. The Ministry of Environment,
Forests, and Climate Change introduced a River Regulation Zone draft in 2016 to
prevent encroachments and regulate developmental activities along rivers.
The guidelines propose three River Regulation Zones based on proximity to the
river: Prohibited, Restricted, and Regulated Activities Zones. Specific activities are
permitted or restricted in each zone, ensuring environmental protection.
The Urban and Regional Plan Formulation and Implementation Guidelines of 2014
identify river floodplains as natural hazard zones. Different zoning considerations
are suggested based on flood frequencies, allowing for suitable land use
regulations. The guidelines advocate three approaches for planned development:
River Ecology Conservation Plan, Integrated Development Scenario, and Post-
Channelization Development Scenario. Each approach considers environmental,
recreational, and infrastructural aspects. Environmental flow management,
pollution abatement, and maintenance of river carrying capacity are highlighted.
Decentralized approaches for river rejuvenation, restoration of natural zones, and
zoning regulations for urbanized and peri-urban stretches are outlined. The
guidelines aim to promote river-centric master planning, riverfront development,
and sustainable urban practices, recognizing the intricate relationship between
urban areas and rivers. the guidelines stress the importance of co-operation
between cities sharing a common river and call for prioritizing water resource
sustainability in urban planning.