- 527 Namami Gange projects sanctioned at Rs 43,266 crore as of August 2026
- 368 projects completed; 147 of 219 sewerage projects finished
- Two river management courses being offered at four institutions
- Gomti Udgam Sthal DPR for lake restoration and 1 MLD STP approved
- Minister C. R. Paatil asks for integrated, holistic river rejuvenation
Of 527 Namami Gange projects worth Rs 43,266 crore, 368 are complete, a review meeting in New Delhi heard. The 20th meeting of the Empowered Task Force was chaired by Union Minister for Jal Shakti C. R. Paatil.
Sewage projects move ahead
The meeting reviewed progress up to August 2026 and the programme’s performance in FY 2025-26. Of the 219 sewerage projects sanctioned, 147 are complete.
Those completed projects have created 4,339 MLD of sewage treatment capacity. They have also completed 4,615 km of sewer network. The sanctioned sewerage projects together will create 6,603 MLD of capacity and a 5,245 km network.
Paatil told agencies and state governments to ensure timely completion of ongoing projects. He also asked for quick action on pending DPRs, land issues and other bottlenecks.
On reuse of treated wastewater, Bihar and West Bengal have notified their policies. Jharkhand is awaiting State Cabinet approval.
Water courses for universities
The meeting reviewed courses developed under the River City Alliance. These aim to bring water governance and management into higher education.
Two courses have been developed with NIUA. Principles of Urban River Management is offered at Mitraj Sarvajanik, formerly SCET Surat, and OP Jindal Global University. Eco-friendly Waterfront Development is offered at the School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal.
Paatil said such courses can build a pool of professionals. He suggested promoting them at city and state levels and considering students for river-related work in cities.
Projects in UP, Bihar and Delhi
The Gomti Udgam Sthal rejuvenation in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, was a main focus. A DPR for lake restoration and a 1 MLD Nature-Based Solutions STP has been approved. Administrative Approval and Expenditure Sanction were issued on 17 September 2026. Paatil asked for the bidding process and a State-level Steering Committee to be completed on time.
For the Niranjana/Falgu River in Bihar, the Secretary, Water Resources Department, Bihar, has been named State-level Nodal Officer. The state has been asked to confirm the Bill of Quantities and detailed cost estimates at the earliest.
NMCG has sanctioned Yamuna projects in Mathura-Vrindavan, Kosi-Chhata, Agra, Firozabad and Etawah. In Delhi, work includes the Yamuna Ecological Task Force and drone-based surveys of drains.
Outreach and new frameworks
Under Swachhta Hi Seva 2026, cleanliness drives and awareness campaigns were held. Paatil met water conservation and river rejuvenation workers from across the country. He said sustained public participation is essential.
National consultation workshops on small river rejuvenation were held in New Delhi, Pune and Guwahati in July and August 2026. During the 9th India International Water Week 2026, the SURM Framework and a Protocol for Riverine Microplastics Monitoring were launched.
Paatil said river rejuvenation must cover water availability, ecological health, groundwater security and biodiversity. He called for close monitoring so that interventions deliver measurable results on the ground.
