What is Environmental Flow (E-Flow)?
Environmental flow (E-flow) refers to the specific quantity, timing, and quality of water flows necessary to maintain the health and functioning of aquatic ecosystems. These flows support biodiversity, protect aquatic habitats, and sustain the livelihoods that rely on these ecosystems, such as fishing communities.
Key Aspects of Environmental Flows:
- Quantity: Ensuring sufficient water is available to maintain the health of ecosystems, supporting plant and animal life.
- Timing: Preserving the natural seasonal and yearly water fluctuations that are crucial for aquatic species’ life cycles.
- Quality: Maintaining appropriate water quality, such as dissolved oxygen levels and temperature, which is vital for the survival of aquatic species.
- Frequency: Ensuring regular occurrences of specific flow conditions like high or low flows, which are essential for sustaining species and ecosystem health.
Key Features of the E-flow Ecological Monitoring System: The
E-flow Monitoring System, developed by the
National Mission for Clean Ganga, is designed to monitor and support the ecological health of rivers in India, particularly the
Ganga and
Yamuna. The system ensures real-time tracking of water quality and river ecosystem health. Features:
- Real-Time Monitoring: Continuous tracking of water quality across key rivers and their tributaries, helping to detect any changes in the flow or pollution levels.
- Centralized Oversight: Monitoring activities related to the Namami Gange Programme, especially focusing on the performance of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs).
- Comprehensive Data Analysis: Utilizing quarterly reports to assess water flow, quality, and the implementation of e-flow standards in ongoing projects along the Ganga.
What is the Namami Gange Programme? The
Namami Gange Programme is an ambitious initiative launched in 2014 by the Indian government to clean and rejuvenate the
Ganga River. It aims to reduce pollution, restore the river's health, and revitalize the ecosystem.
Key Pillars of the Programme: - Sewerage Treatment Infrastructure: Establishing treatment plants to process sewage before it enters the river.
- River-Front Development: Improving access to the river and promoting recreational and cultural activities.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting and preserving aquatic species and habitats.
- Afforestation and Industrial Effluent Monitoring: Reducing deforestation and controlling industrial pollution along the river.
- Ganga Gram: Transforming riverfront villages into model environmental communities.
- Public Awareness: Educating citizens about river conservation.
Challenges Faced by the Namami Gange Programme: Despite its vast funding and objectives, the programme has faced several obstacles:
- Delays in Project Execution: Issues like land acquisition delays and incomplete project reports have slowed the rollout of sewage treatment infrastructure.
- Insufficient Sewage Treatment Capacity: While the programme has made progress, it only covers about 20% of the sewage treatment needs in the five major states along the Ganga, with future projections still falling short.
- Industrial Pollution: Many industries continue to discharge untreated waste into the river, contributing significantly to its pollution. Around 402.67 million liters per day (MLD) of industrial effluents are being discharged by 3,186 polluting industries into the Ganga and Yamuna.
Measures to Enhance Ganga River Conservation and Rejuvenation: To improve the effectiveness of the
Namami Gange Programme and support the health of the Ganga, several additional strategies can be considered:
- Leverage Technology:
- Remote Sensing and GIS: Using advanced technologies for monitoring the river's health and tracking progress.
- Centralized Data Management: Integrating data from various sources to make informed decisions on river management.
- Adopt-a-Ghat Initiative:
- Encourage NGOs and local communities to take responsibility for specific sections of the riverfront (ghats), ensuring regular cleaning and beautification.
- Riverine Economy Incentives:
- Develop a "Ganga Riverine Economy" certification for businesses that adopt eco-friendly practices, helping reduce pollution and promote water sustainability.
- Floodplain Restoration:
- Focus on reconnecting the river with its natural floodplains, improving water filtration, reducing erosion, and creating habitats for wildlife.
- Waste-to-Wealth Handicrafts:
- Promote the creation of eco-friendly handicrafts using waste collected from the riverbank. This provides income for local communities while supporting river cleanliness.
By addressing these challenges and leveraging innovative measures, India can make meaningful strides toward restoring the ecological balance of the Ganga and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
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