National River Conservation Plan (NRCP), Objectives, Components, UPSC Notes!

The National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) is a government program launched in 1995 to clean and protect rivers in India. It focuses on reducing pollution, improving water quality, and promoting sustainable river management. The plan covers major rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari, aiming to restore their ecological balance and ensure safe water for people and the environment.

This topic belongs to GS Paper III (Environment and Ecology – Conservation, Pollution, Environmental Issues, Government Policies & Schemes) of the UPSC Examination.

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What is the National River Conservation Plan?

The National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme initiated by the Government of India in 1995. It was a major expansion of the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) of 1985, bringing a national perspective to river pollution abatement. The primary goal of the NRCP is to improve the water quality of the country's major rivers by reducing their pollution load. The program provides financial and technical assistance to states and Union Territories for implementing pollution control measures.

Read the article on the National River of India (Ganga)!

The National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) has its roots in India's pioneering efforts to tackle river pollution, starting with the Ganga Action Plan.

The Ganga Action Plan (1985)

India's river cleaning initiative started with the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) launched on January 14, 1985, by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. This was the first large-scale, government-led attempt globally to clean a polluted river.

GAP Phase I (1985-2000)

• Covered 25 Class-I towns across UP, Bihar, and West Bengal
• Was a 100% centrally funded scheme with a cost of Rs 451.70 crore
• Focused on pollution abatement works in 21 class-I towns along the Ganga
• Established the Central Ganga Authority in 1985 under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister
• Phase I was declared complete on March 31, 2000

GAP Phase II (1993)

GAP Phase II was launched in April 1993, the program was expanded to include Yamuna and Gomti Action Plans under Ganga Action Plan Phase-II.

Key Features

• Extended the river cleaning program to major tributaries of the Ganga
• Covered 7 states: Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Delhi, and Haryana
• Implementation started on April 1, 2001
• Initially fully funded by the central government, later changed to 70:30 ratio between Centre and State

Birth of NRCP (1995)

• Official Launch: The National River Conservation Plan was launched in July 1995 as an expansion of the successful Ganga Action Plan model to other major rivers of the country.
• Institutional Changes: With the approval of NRCP in July 1995, the Central Ganga Authority was redesignated as the National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) to coordinate implementation of schemes under various Action Plans.
• Merger Decision: After launching NRCP in 1995, GAP Phase II was merged with NRCP in December 1996 to create a unified approach to river conservation.

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What are the Key Objectives of the NRCP?

The core objectives of the NRCP are focused on comprehensive pollution abatement to restore the health of rivers. These include:

• Pollution Abatement: The main objective is to reduce the pollution load in identified river stretches through targeted interventions.
• Improving Water Quality: The plan aims to bring the water quality of rivers to an acceptable level as per designated best use.
• Creating Infrastructure: It supports the creation of critical infrastructure for sewage treatment and disposal.
• Public Health: By cleaning rivers, the plan also aims to improve public health and hygiene in towns and cities located along riverbanks.
• Conservation and Rejuvenation: The ultimate goal is the conservation and rejuvenation of rivers, transforming them into healthy, sustainable ecosystems.

Read the article on the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)!

The NRCP implements a multi-pronged strategy to achieve its objectives. The key components of the plan include:

• Interception and Diversion of Sewage: This involves constructing systems to intercept municipal sewage flowing into rivers through drains and diverting it to sewage treatment plants (STPs).
• Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs): A crucial component is the construction and rehabilitation of STPs to treat the diverted sewage before it is released back into the rivers.
• Low-Cost Sanitation: The plan supports the construction of public and community toilets to prevent open defecation on riverbanks, a significant source of pollution.
• Electric and Improved Wood-Based Crematoria: These facilities are developed to promote environmentally friendly cremation practices, reducing the amount of unburnt bodies and ashes dumped into the rivers.
• Riverfront Development: Activities like ghat development and beautification are undertaken to improve the aesthetics of riverbanks and foster public engagement.
• Public Awareness and Participation: The NRCP emphasizes community involvement and awareness campaigns to ensure the long-term sustainability of the conservation efforts.

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Implementation of the National River Conservation Plan

The NRCP is implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti at the central level, with the National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) serving as the nodal agency. The actual projects are executed by state governments and local bodies, which are responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of the created infrastructure. Project proposals are sanctioned based on their feasibility, environmental impact, and alignment with the NRCP guidelines. The implementation of each project is a time-bound process, with continuous monitoring to ensure timely completion.

Funding for the NRCP

The NRCP is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, which means the project cost is shared between the central and state governments. The typical funding pattern is a 60:40 ratio, with the Centre bearing 60% of the cost and the state government contributing the remaining 40%. For North-Eastern states and Himalayan states, the funding ratio is more favorable, with the Centre providing a higher share. States are also responsible for bearing the costs of land acquisition and the operation and maintenance of the facilities after completion.

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While the NRCP primarily focuses on major rivers, the government has recognized the importance of conserving smaller rivers and tributaries. The measures for these rivers are often integrated with broader water conservation initiatives. Key strategies include:

• Rejuvenation through Participatory Management: Engaging local communities through schemes like the "Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain" to augment existing water sources, recharge groundwater, and manage greywater.
• Mapping and Inventory: Creating a scientific inventory of all water bodies, including small rivers, through geo-tagging to prepare detailed conservation plans.
• Afforestation: Planting trees and shrubs along riverbanks to prevent soil erosion and improve the ecological health of the river.
• Synergy with Other Schemes: Leveraging funds and labor from programs like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) for activities like desilting and building check dams.

What are the Key Indian Government Initiatives to Conserve Water?

The NRCP is part of a larger, integrated national effort for water conservation. Other significant government initiatives include:

• Namami Gange Programme: A flagship mission launched in 2014 specifically for the conservation and rejuvenation of the Ganga River and its tributaries. It is a more comprehensive program than the NRCP, with a broader scope.
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Launched in 2019, this campaign focuses on a mission-mode approach to water conservation and rainwater harvesting. It aims to create a "Jan Andolan" (people's movement) for water security.
• Atal Bhujal Yojana: A scheme designed to improve groundwater management in water-stressed areas through community participation.
• Jal Jeevan Mission: Aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections to all rural households by 2024. It also includes source sustainability measures.

Read the article on the Rivers & Drainage System of India!

The National River Conservation Plan holds immense significance for India. By focusing on non-Ganga river basins, it ensures that river conservation efforts are distributed nationwide. Its achievements include the creation of a vast network of sewage treatment infrastructure, which has helped reduce the pollution load in many urban centers. The plan has been instrumental in raising public awareness and promoting a sense of ownership among communities.

Environmental Impact

• Water Quality Improvement: NRCP has created sewage treatment capacity of 2,522.03 MLD, resulting in significant reduction in pollution load being discharged into rivers.
• Ecosystem Restoration: The plan contributes to restoring aquatic ecosystems and supporting biodiversity conservation in river systems.
• Pollution Abatement: Systematic approach to reducing organic and inorganic pollutants has improved river health across multiple states.

Economic Benefits

• Public Health Savings: Cleaner rivers reduce waterborne diseases, leading to decreased healthcare costs and improved productivity.
• Tourism Development: River front development and improved water quality enhance tourism potential of river cities.
• Agricultural Benefits: Better water quality supports irrigation and agricultural productivity in river basins.

Social and Cultural Significance

• Cultural Preservation: Rivers hold deep cultural and religious significance in India, and their conservation preserves cultural heritage.
• Community Development: River conservation projects often include infrastructure development that benefits local communities.
• Water Security: Improved river health contributes to long-term water security for millions of people dependent on river water.

Policy and Governance Impact

• Institutional Strengthening: NRCP has strengthened institutional mechanisms for water governance and pollution control.
• Coordination Enhancement: The scheme has improved coordination between central and state governments in environmental management.
• Replication Model: Success stories under NRCP serve as models for other water conservation initiatives across the country.

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