The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) under the aegis of Ministry of jal Shakti has launched two Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) pilot projects using constructed wetlands to treat nearly 10 MLD of wastewater entering the Yamuna. Alongside six capacity-building programmes, the initiative aims to promote sustainable river rejuvenation, ecological restoration, and climate-resilient water management across the Ganga basin.
Key Highlights
- NMCG launches two Nature-Based Solutions pilot projects on Yamuna drains with a combined treatment capacity of 10 MLD.
- Constructed wetlands will naturally treat wastewater using rock filters, aquatic plants, and phytoremediation.
- Six training programmes have strengthened technical capacity for over 100 river management professionals.
- Khatauli constructed wetland project supports the rejuvenation of River Kali through sustainable wastewater treatment.
BodyThe National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has strengthened its river conservation efforts by introducing Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) as part of its long-term strategy for Ganga river rejuvenation. These ecological interventions complement conventional sewage treatment infrastructure to create a more sustainable and resilient river management system.
Under the Sustainable River Rejuvenation (SRR) programme, NMCG has started two pilot projects at the Shastri Park Drain and Kailash Nagar Drain, both flowing into the Yamuna River. Together, the projects are designed to naturally treat nearly 10 million litres of wastewater per day (10 MLD).
The treatment system is based on constructed wetlands, which combine rock filtration, aquatic vegetation, stone masonry structures, and phytoremediation to remove pollutants. These natural processes improve water quality, increase dissolved oxygen, reduce organic pollution, and support biodiversity while requiring minimal energy and maintenance.
Construction activities are progressing steadily. Desludging and desilting have been completed at the Kailash Nagar Drain, where brick lining work is underway, while similar preparatory work is advancing at the Shastri Park Drain before installation of wetland treatment components.
To support wider adoption of Nature-Based Solutions, NMCG organised six capacity-building programmes between August 2025 and March 2026 through the Knowledge Sharing and Development Centre (KSDC). More than 100 engineers and officials from river management agencies participated in specialised training on ecological restoration and sustainable river management.
NMCG has also expanded the approach by implementing a constructed wetland project at Khatauli for the rejuvenation of River Kali, demonstrating how low-energy, nature-based wastewater treatment can reduce pollution and strengthen the health of rivers across the Ganga basin.
