The Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of JalShakti has been working relentlessly towards achieving the vision and mission of making India a ‘Water Secure Country’ as envisioned by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. The Ministry of Jal Shakti, formed in 2019 by bringing together all water related departments and organizations under one umbrella Ministry, has been playing a pivotal role in implementation of a focused strategy towards making India ‘Water Secure’ while ensuring optimal utilization of precious and scarce water resources across the nation. During the year2024, the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has undertaken several new initiatives and achieved significant outcomes/milestones. Following is some of the key achievements of the Department in 2024:

1.  ​National Mission forClean Ganga (NMCG)

National Mission for Clean Ganga, in the year 2024, completed 25 projects which resulted in the completion of a cumulative total of 303 projects, sofar, and also sanctioned 39 new projects amounting to ₹ 2,056 crore, bringing the cumulative total to 488 projects sanctioned worth ₹ 39,730 crore. In sewerage infrastructure, 12 projects for the creation/ rehabilitation of 305 MLD sewage treatment capacity have been sanctioned between January to December 2024. In the same period, 16 projects for the creation/ rehabilitation of 750 MLD sewage treatment capacity have been completed. Till date, a total of 203 sewerage infrastructure projects have been sanctioned in the Ganga Basin for the creation of 6,255 MLD sewage treatment capacity and the laying of a 5,249 km sewer network.

Other key achievements during the year 2024 are as follows:

(A) Inauguration and Laying of Foundation Stones Sewerage infrastructure projects by Hon’ble Prime Minister (Under Nirmal Ganga)

• On 25^thJanuary 2024, the Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated the following projects with a cumulative cost of ₹ 790.5 Crores from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh.

1. Construction of 30 MLD STP at Masani, Mathura (under Hybrid Annuity-basedPPP (HAM) model under Namami Gange Program), Rehabilitation of existing (30 MLD at Trans Yamuna and 6.8 MLD STP at Masani, Mathura) total 36.8 MLD and Construction of 20 MLD TTRO plant (Tertiary Treatment and Reverse Osmosis Plant), Masani, Mathura 
2. Construction of 58 MLD STP with 264 km and sewerage Network at Moradabad

• On 1st March 2023, the Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated three projects worth
  ₹ 575 crore from Hooghly, West Bengal. These projects include, 40 MLD STP work with Interception & Diversion at Bally, West Bengal, 60 MLD STP work with Interception & Diversion at Kamarhati and Baranagar Municipalities, West Bengal and 65 MLD STP work with Interception & Diversion at Howrah.

• On 2^nd March 2024, the Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated twelve projects worth ₹ 2,189 crore from Aurangabad, Bihar. These projects include 60 MLD STP and 162 km sewerage network at Saidpur, Patna, 60 MLD STP at Pahari, Patna, 93 km sewerage network at Pahari Zone IVA (S), Patna, 116 km sewerage network at Pahari Zone V, Patna, 180 km sewerage network at Beur, Patna, 96 km sewerage network at Karmalichak, Patna, 11 MLD STP at Barh, Patna, 10 MLD STP at Sultanganj, Bhagalpur, 9 MLD STP at Naugachia, Bhagalpur, 3.50 MLD STP at Sonepur, Saran, 32 MLD STP at Chhapra, Saran.

• On 10^th March 2024, the Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated three sewage projects worth ₹ 1,114 crore from Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. These projects include 72 MLD STP and I&D network work at Naini (District-G, 42 MLD), Phaphamau (District-F, 14 MLD) and Jhunsi (16 MLD), Prayagraj, 30 MLD STP and I&D network  work at Jaunpur and 45 MLD STP and I&D network work at Etawah.

• On 2^nd October 2024, the Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for ten sewage treatment plant (STP) projects with a total cost of ₹ 1,555 crore. Among these, five projects worth ₹ 534.25 crore were inaugurated across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Additionally, laid the foundation stone for five more projects across Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, amounting to ₹ 1,021 crore.

(B) Inauguration and Laying of Foundation Stones Sewerage infrastructure projects by Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti (Under Nirmal Ganga)

• On 4^th January 2024, the Hon’ble Union Minister for Jal Shakti inaugurated 14 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) with a 2.4 km Interception & Diversion (I&D) Network worth ₹ 77.36 crores in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh.

• On 18^th January 2024, the Hon’ble Union Minister for Jal Shakti laid the foundation stone for the 220 MLD Meerut sewage treatment plant (STP) with interception and diversion (I&D) project worth ₹ 370 crore in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.

3. Training on Occupational Health & Safety Audit

NMCG organized 9 virtual safety training program and trained more than 1,500 officials on “Occupational Health and Safety Audit (OHSA)” From January 2024 to December 2024, to ensure workplace safety and compliance.

4. Activities Under Biodiversity Conservation (Under Aviral Ganga)

The programme has sanctioned projects focused on protecting and rehabilitating fishery, turtles, crocodiles, and dolphins. Projects Sanctioned in the year 2024 are as under :

• Advancing Rescue System for the protection of stranded Ganges river Dolphins.
• Conservation, Reintroduction, and Rehabilitation of threatened Turtles along ganga basin.

· Expanding Conservation Breeding Programme of Freshwater Turtle and Gharial at Kukrail Rehabilitation Centre, Lucknow

NMCG, in partnership with CIFRI, has successfully implemented fish ranching programs for Indian Major Carps and other species. In 2024, notable achievements include – Ranching of Indian Major Carps (IMC): 49.25 lakhs, Mahseer: 7,370, Hilsa: 42,117 and Hilsa tagging: 1,387 nos.

5. Important Activities (under Jan Ganga)

• Launch of Namami Niranjana Abhiyan: NMCG launched the “Namami Niranjana Abhiyan” on 20^th February 2024, aimed at ensuring the perennial flow of the Niranjana (Falgu) river and bolstering the ongoing efforts of the “Niranjana (Falgu) River Recharge Mission”. The Falgu river, revered as Niranjana in Bodhgaya and Falgu in Gaya, originates from Belgadda in the Simaria block of Chatra district, Jharkhand, holding profound significance in the Hindu Sanatan religion. Pilgrims partake in rituals such as PindDaan and Tarpan for their ancestors using water from the Falgu river.
• Celebration of International Day of Yoga: On the occasion of the International Day of Yoga, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) organized ‘Ghat Par Yoga’ at BSF Camp, Zero Pushta, Sonia Vihar in Delhi on the bank of River Yamuna on 21^st June, 2024. Over 1,000 people participated in the event including officials and staff from the NMCG, NGOs under the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP-III) of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), the Border Security Force (BSF), Ganga Vichar Manch, various other NGOs, as well as students and children.
• 8^thIndia Water Week 2024: The 8^th edition of India Water Week (IWW) 2024 was held during 17-20 September 2024, in New Delhi, on the theme “Partnerships and Cooperation for Inclusive Water Development and Management.” This prestigious international event has become a key platform for collaboration in water resource management. The event was inaugurated by the President of India,  alongside Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti, and Hon’ble Minister of State for Jal Shakti.

• Ganga Utsav- A River Festival 2024: On 4^th November 2024, the 8th edition of Ganga Utsav was organized by NMCG at scenic Chandi Ghat in Haridwar to promote the conservation of the Ganga River, emphasize its cultural and spiritual importance, and raise public awareness about cleanliness. The event was inaugurated by Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti in the august presence of the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Hon’ble Uttarakhand Minister for Women & Child Welfare, Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR, Ministry of Jal Shakti, and DG, NMCG. This eighth edition of the event was the first time held on the riverbank, with celebrations extending across more than 110 districts in the Ganga basin states.The event featured participants from diverse spheres, including students, scientists, spiritual leaders, and more.
• 9^th India Water Impact Summit: The 9^th India Water Impact Summit (IWIS) & 2^nd Climate Investments and Technology Impact Summit were organised jointly by NMCG & c-Ganga from 4^th to 6^th December 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

6. International Collaboration

• Meeting with German Delegates: On 9^th May 2024, a meeting was held with the Deputy Head of the Economic Division, German Embassy to discuss the current status of projects aimed at rejuvenating the Ganga River, supported through bilateral cooperation between India and Germany.
• Workshop on Strengthening Quality Infrastructure for Water Monitoring of the Ganges River II: NMCG in association with Physikalisch- Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)  under Indo-German Technical Cooperation Programme organised a 6-day training programme from 22^nd July to 31^st July 2024.
• Inception Workshop for District Ganga Plans: On 5^th July 2024, NMCG in association with GIZ organized an inception workshop for the District Ganga Plans. The workshop aimed to create comprehensive District Ganga Plans (DGPs) based on a River Basin Management approach, which has been prepared for four pilot districts.
• Smart Laboratory for Clean Rivers (SLCR): The Smart Lab for Clean Rivers (SLCR) has been set up under the Green Strategic Partnership between India and Denmark to bring global solutions on current challenges in the field of clean river water, conduct collaborative research and development to fit in real environment through Living lab approach and creation of platform between Government authorities, academic institutions and technology providers for knowledge sharing and co-creation to achieve clean river water.
• Meeting of the Joint Review Committee: On 9^th October 2024, the first meeting of the Joint Review Committee (JRC) under the India-Israel Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was held under the chairmanship of DG, NMCG, to address priority areas such as reducing non-revenue water, urban water management through IoT and AI, wastewater treatment, and sewage sludge management.

7.  Development of knowledge products (Under Gyan Ganga)

The ‘River Atlas for Ganga Main Stem Districts’, an in-house developed knowledge product of the GKC was launched by the Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti on 09^thDecember 2024 during the 13th Empowered Task Force Meeting. The atlas comprises maps of River Ganga and its tributaries, covering five main stem states in the Ganga basin – Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. This comprehensive Atlas is essential for the effective implementation of policies and programs and accurate planning and informed decision-making.

2. ​National Water Mission (NWM)

“Jal Shakti Abhiyan- Catch the Rain (JSA:CTR)” 2024 campaign: To make water everyone’s business and buoyed by the success of Jal Shakti Abhiyan(s) in the previous years, the Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti launched “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain-2024” on the theme ‘Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti’, 5th in its series on 09.03.2024. Focused interventions of the JSA:CTR-2024 include consolidation of activities i.e. (1) water conservation and rainwater harvesting; (2) enumerating, geo- tagging & making inventory of all water bodies; preparation of scientific plans for water conservation based on it (3) setting up of Jal Shakti Kendras in all districts (4) intensive afforestation and (5) awareness generation. As per the information uploaded by various stakeholders on the JSA:CTR portal (www.jsactr.mowr.nic.in), during the period of 09 March 2024 till 10 January, 2025 under the JSA:CTR campaign, a total of 8,80,269 Water Conservation & Rain Water Harvesting Structures were created/ongoing, 2,16,134 traditional water bodies were renovated/ongoing, 3,61,431 reuse and recharge structures were completed/ongoing and 13,86,975 watershed development structures were completed/ongoing. Further, 6,19,68,567 afforestation activities were carried out under the campaign. 702 Jal Shakti Kendras have been established and 617 District Water Conservation Plans have been prepared by the Districts across the country so far.

“Workshop-cum-orientation programme on Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch The Rain 2024” Campaign

A “workshop-cum-orientation programme” was organized by National Water Mission on 24th June 2024 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath, New Delhi to highlight the roles and responsibilities of Central Nodal Officers and Technical Officers appointed for 151 focused districts districts to ensure effective implementation of JSA: CTR-2024 with the theme ” Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti”.

The workshop was graced by Shri C.R. Paatil, Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti and Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Minister of State, Department of Water Resources, RD & GR, Ministry of Jal Shakti. Also witnesses the presence of Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR; Secretary, DDWS; AS & MD, NWM; AS & MD, JJM and Chairman, Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). The central teams will make two visits to the allotted districts. One visit will be made in pre-monsoon period i.e. from 31.03.2024 to 30.06.2024 and another visit will be made in post-monsoon period n i.e. from 01.07.2024 to 31.10.2024.

Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari” initiative

In order to give a further impetus to JSA: CTR campaign, the “Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari” initiative has been launched in Surat, Gujarat on 06.09.2024. The Hon’ble Prime Minister delivered a virtual address emphasizing the importance of jan bhagidari in water conservation. This collaborative effort aims to enhance water recharge through rainwater harvesting, aquifer recharge, borewell recharge and recharge shafts, supported by CSR funds from industrial houses, civic bodies and water sector enthusiasts. The initiative aims to construct a million recharge structures including check dams, percolation tanks and recharge wells to enhance groundwater replenishment and support sustainable water management practices throughout the country. This initiative embodies a pledge for united action from all stakeholders, including government bodies, industries, local authorities, philanthropists, resident welfare associations (RWAs) and individuals. The primary aim of the initiative is to construct millions of low-cost, affordable solutions, particularly the locally tailored ones depending upon the region, for groundwater recharge in mission mode.

A round table meeting was held under the Chairpersonship of the Secretary, DoWR, RD&GR, Ministry of Jal Shakti on 29th October 2024 at 15:00 PM at DAIC, New Delhi to discuss on collaboration with Industries, Trusts, Associations, Chambers and Foundations to explore possibilities for diverting CSR Funds to implementation of the “Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari” (JSJB) initiative under the ongoing Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR) -2024 campaign. 24 industries were invited to participate and 20 shows their involvement, with a total of 43 representatives attend the meeting.

A meeting to explore the Possibilities of collaboration with NGOs was held under the Chairpersonship of the Additional Secretary & Mission Director, National Water Mission, Ministry of Jal Shakti on 23^rd  October 2024 at 11:00 AM to discuss a special focus on construction of artificial recharge structure/borewell recharge/recharge shafts among the other activities for implementation of the “Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari” (JSJB) initiative under the ongoing Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR) 2024 campaign.

As of now, data for 4.00 lakh structures has already been uploaded to the dedicated sub-portal named ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ created on the JSA: CTR portal.

“All India Secretaries’ Conference on Water Vision @ 2047” – Way Ahead

National Water Mission (NWM), Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR), Ministry of Jal Shakti organized “All India Secretaries’ Conference on Water Vision @ 2047 – Way Ahead” on 23rd – 24th January, 2024 at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, to discuss the progress made by State/ UT governments on 22 recommendations made during the “1st All India Annual State Ministers’ Conference on Water’’ with the theme “Water Vision @ 2047” which was held on 5-6 January, 2023 at Bhopal and to highlight best practices in various water related issues. In order to document the journey of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan and best practices of water conservation in various parts of the country, NWM compiled the best practices under ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan:Catch The Rain’ in form of an eBook. This e-book was launched during the event.

The conference was graced by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the then Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti. The Conference witnessed participation of over 300 delegates including 30 Secretaries from 32 States/ UTs. A special attraction of the Conference was ‘Publication Curation’ where over 150 important publications from Centre/ States/ Civil Society Organizations etc. were displayed. A Round Table Conference of Secretaries and CEOs was also held during the Conference to discuss important issues pertaining to water sector wherein 12 CEOs participated.

33 presentations were made and 7 movies were showcased during five thematic sessions of the conference which include (i) Climate Resilience and River Health; (ii) Water Governance; (iii) Water Use Efficiency; (iv) Water Storage and Management; and (v) People’s Participation/ Jan Baghidari. The Conference ended with a presentation of important takeaways emerged during the deliberations held in 2 days Conference on which feedback of the stakeholders were invited.

From Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Conference was attended by Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR; Shri G. Asok Kumar, the then Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG); Ms. Archana Varma, Additional Secretary & Mission Director, National Water Mission, Ministry of Jal Shakti and other senior officials of the Department.

Preparation of State Specific Action Plans for Water Sector

NWM envisaged developing State Specific Action Plan (SSAP) for water sector covering irrigation, industry, domestic and waste water of a State/UT. NWM is providing financial assistance of Rs. 50 Lakh to major States and Rs. 30 Lakh to minor States/ UTs as a grant for formulation of SSAPs for water sector. NWM engaged two nodal agencies for coordination and monitoring of SSAP formulation.

North Eastern Regional Institute of Water and Land Management (NERIWALM), Tezpur, Assam is coordinating & monitoring SSAP formulation for 19 States and National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee, Uttarakhand is coordinating & monitoring with remaining 16 States/UTs.

So far, 35 States/ UTs have signed MoUs with the Nodal Agencies. 24 States/UTs have submitted the first phase of draft status report. 07 States/UTs namely Haryana, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Tripura, Uttarakhand Madhya Pradesh and Bihar have submitted the second phase of Interim Report. 03 States namely Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra & Gujarat has submitted the Final SSAP Report and approved by Competent Authority.

HRD & Capacity Building and Mass Awareness Programmes

Goal – III of NWM envisages ‘Promotion of citizen and state actions for water conservation, augmentation and preservation, and focused attention to vulnerable areas including over-exploited areas.’ Capacity building of organizations associated with water resources development and management is one of the action points under strategy 3.1 (b) of this Goal. In this direction the National Water Mission provide grants to various Central/State Government Organizations and academic institutions of national repute across the nation for conducting training & capacity building programs. This year training proposals submitted by WALMI Dharwad, NERIWALM Tezpur, WALAMTARI Hyderabad, CWRDM Kerala, NIH Roorke, ICAR-IISWC Bhubaneswar have been approved (as on date) for the very purpose.

Water Talks

A monthly ‘Water Talk’ lecture series is an important activity undertaken by the NWM with the aim to stimulate awareness, build capacities of stakeholders and encourage people to become active participants to sustain life by saving water on earth. Leading water experts are invited to present inspiring and broadening perspectives on current water issues in the country. ‘Water Talk’ series was launched on 22nd March 2019 on the occasion of World Water Day.

NWM has so far organized 57 ‘Water-Talks’ on a wide range of topics dominating water sector with a wide range of speakers from NGOs to grassroot workers.

Dialogues with District & Municipal Administrators:

The National Water Mission webinar session on “Best Practices of Water management: (previously known as “Catch the Rain”) Dialogues with DMs” was started from 7th August 2020. NWM has so far organized 45 Sessions “Dialogues with DMs‘’ on Best Practices of Water management.

Mission Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)

The National Water Mission organized field visits and social media campaigns as part of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) outreach activities for mass mobilization ahead of World Environment Day 2024. Events were conducted on 31^st  May in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 1st June in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, and 5^th June at Hauz Khas Lake, New Delhi. These efforts aimed to raise awareness about sustainable lifestyles and promote public engagement in environmental conservation.

The NWM also organized a plantation drive under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” Campaign launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister, on 29th November, 2024 at the National Zoological Park in Delhi. A total of 15 saplings were planted at the zoo by Additional Secretary & Mission Director and other officers of NWM. All the staff of NWM participated in the event and spread awareness among the masses by shouting slogans “Ma Ke Naam Ek Ped Lagaye, Jal Sankat Ko Dur Bhagaye” “Ma Ke Naam Ek Ped Lagaye, Pani ki Har Bund Bachaye” from CGO Complex to the National Zoological Park in Delhi. The event was successfully completed, and videos and photos of the activity have been uploaded to the Mission LiFE portal for documentation. Several NGOs, including Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana, Art of Living, Indian Plumbing Association, and Sarkaritel/Jal Prahari, played a pivotal role in the success of the plantation drive on behalf of National Water Mission. Together, these organizations facilitated the planting of approximately 62,000 trees across India (PAN India) with active support from local communities. By providing essential resources, ensuring proper tree maintenance, and fostering collaboration, they significantly amplified the campaign’s impact. Their efforts have not only enhanced environmental conservation but also raised awareness and inspired widespread participation in sustainable practices

Collaboration with NGO’s National Water Mission has collaborated with some NGOs by signing of MoUs for supporting the activities of NWM and helping to achieve the objective of NWM. The brief details of our MoU partners are as under-

• MoU with Girganga Parivar Trust (Girganga) has been signed on 22.10.2024 on Pro bono basis. They have committed to build 11,111 bore well recharge and 11,111 check dams.
• MoU with Sarkaritel.com/jalprahari.in has been signed on 13.12.2024 on Pro bono basis. They have committed for generating awareness on Water Conservation in the public.
• MoU with Vyakti Vikas Kendra India (VVKI), the Art of Living has been signed on 16.12.2024 on Pro bono basis. They have committed for creating of Water recharge structure with the help of implementing many River Rejuvenation Programs through Government scheme MGNREGA