Has ₹43,060 crore cleaned the Ganga in 10 years? Govt counters Bloomberg report on persistent pollution

A decade after Namami Gange was launched, questions remain over whether ₹43,060 crore has made the Ganga cleaner. A Bloomberg investigation flags persistent pollution, while the government defends its progress, citing improved water quality in some stretches and expanded sewage-treatment capacity.

A decade after the launch of the Namami Gange programme, questions remain over whether the government's investment in cleaning the Ganga has made a significant difference to its water quality.

A recent Bloomberg investigation, based on 10 years of satellite data covering nearly 2,000 km of the river and independent water tests, found that large stretches remain polluted despite the government spending ₹43,060 crore on the cleanup programme.

The investigation looked at changes in turbidity, algae and surface temperature, along with water samples collected from 12 locations around Kanpur and Varanasi. Its findings raised questions about whether the money spent and infrastructure created have translated into a cleaner river.

The government has defended the programme, arguing that the investigation does not capture the condition of the entire river.

It says water quality has improved in several stretches, sewage-treatment capacity has increased and industrial pollution has declined.

However, it has also acknowledged that pollution continues in parts of Uttar Pradesh, sewage-treatment capacity remains inadequate in some areas and stronger enforcement is needed.

The findings point to a mixed picture: there has been progress in some stretches, but cleaning the Ganga remains a work in progress.

What did the Bloomberg investigation find?

The Bloomberg investigation examined whether a decade of investment under Namami Gange had resulted in a measurable improvement in the river's health.

It used satellite data to track turbidity, algae and surface temperature over time, along with independent water testing around Kanpur and Varanasi.

The findings suggest that pollution remains a serious concern in several stretches. They also raise questions about whether the government's spending has delivered the expected environmental benefits.

The larger issue is how the success of a river-cleaning programme should be measured. Spending money and building sewage-treatment plants are important steps, but they do not automatically mean that the river is cleaner.

The results must be visible in regular water-quality tests.

Why the Ganga cannot be judged through a few samples

The government argues that a river stretching nearly 2,500 km cannot be assessed through satellite observations and samples from just 12 locations.

The Ganga flows through five states and passes through different geographical and climatic conditions. It also receives water and sediment from major tributaries, including the Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi, Gomti and Son.

Water conditions in the Himalayan stretches are very different from those in densely populated cities and the plains downstream. Rainfall, seasonal changes, water flow and local pollution sources also affect the river.

A proper assessment must therefore cover different stretches and seasons. It must examine pollution levels, the functioning of treatment plants and whether water quality has improved over time.

What can satellites tell us about river pollution?

Satellite images help researchers monitor large stretches of a river over several years. They can track changes in turbidity, algae and surface temperature and identify areas that need closer examination.

However, satellite data cannot provide a complete picture of water quality.

They cannot directly measure dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) or harmful microorganisms. These require water samples and laboratory tests.

About the Author

Bhanu Pratap is a journalist who reports and writes on foreign affairs, India’s foreign policy, geopolitics and strategic affairs. He closely follows diplomatic developments in New Delhi and has a keen interest in defence and national security.<br> <br> Bhanu also focuses on in-depth, interview-based reports and regularly speaking with experts and policymakers to bring perspectives and context to major developments around the world.<br> <br> He is also interested in stories with strong humanitarian angles.<br><br> One such report examined the cases of Indian nationals who were allegedly recruited and forced into Russia’s war against Ukraine. While reporting the story, Bhanu spoke to the families of those affected and documented their experiences. The report was later taken into account by the United Nations in its findings on human rights violations linked to the war in Ukraine.<br> <br> For Bhanu, the zeal to produce meaningful and impactful journalism remains at the heart of his work.<br> <br>He has previously worked with Firstpost, NDTV, Newslaundry and Republic.<br><br> Bhanu studied at the Delhi School of Journalism, University of Delhi. He initially chose science with plans to pursue engineering, influenced by conventional expectations, but fate had other plans and eventually led him to journalism.<br><br> Beyond the newsroom, Bhanu enjoys exploring culture and history and often spends his days off on heritage walks. He is also passionate about travelling, biking and listening to folk music.<br> <br>For tips, reviews and suggestions, you can reach him at bhanu.pratap@htdigital.in.