O’ Ganga, why do you flow?” asked the celebrated singer-composer Bhupen Hazarika in his song released over half-a-century ago. The lyrics questioned the mighty river for flowing, even as the countrymen were exploited along its banks. The socio-political message was echoed over loudspeakers in events and public gatherings. Raj Kapoor’s Ram Teri Ganga Maili, released four decades ago, addressed the issue through its female-lead character, named Ganga. The real Ganga flowed as it did for centuries.
But neither Hazarika nor Kapoor questioned the exploitation of the holy river. Its deteriorating health went unnoticed. Of course, there were hues and cries about pollution and waste, but actions were minimal. The Ganga serves over 40 per cent of the population, and offers water for drinking, irrigation, industry and cultural order. But this vital lifeline faced pollution due to decades of urban growth, industrial expansion, population pressure and underinvestment in environmental management.
By 2016, the Governments had cumulatively spent `30 billion on interventions. But it was between 2014 and 2015 that a new mission, with multiple objectives, and an integrated conservation project, began to unfold. The objectives were effective abatement of pollution, conservation and rejuvenation. Named Namami Gange Programme (NGP), it is an approved ‘flagship’ project of the Government.