Context: Recently, the Union Jal Shakti Minister launched the Environmental flows (E-flows) Monitoring System for real-time analysis of the water quality of the Ganga River.

About the Launch of the E-Flow Monitoring System

• The E-flow Monitoring System is developed by the National Mission for Clean Ganga.

• It is an integral component of the PRAYAG portal which is a real-time monitoring centre for the planning and monitoring of projects, river water quality, and other crucial parameters.

• This portal encompasses online dashboards such as the Ganga Tarang Portal, Project Management Tool Dashboard, and the Ganga Districts Performance Monitoring System.

• This platform facilitates real-time analysis of the water quality of the Ganga, Yamuna, and their tributaries, and monitors the Namami Gange programme activities at the central level.

• The performance of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) is monitored through the Online Continuous Effluent Monitoring System (OCEMS), ensuring that all STPs operate at their rated capacity. River water quality is also monitored at various locations.

• The launch of the E-flow Monitoring System marks a significant step towards ensuring the continuous and sustainable flow of the Ganga River.

• The Government of India has mandated minimum E-flow for various stretches of the Ganga River to be maintained year-round.

• The National Mission for Clean Ganga laid down the flow specifications essential for preserving the river’s ecological balance, safeguarding aquatic life, and ensuring sustainability amidst diverse water usage demands.

About National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)

• The NMCG was established in 2011. It is registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

• The NMCG has a two-tier management structure comprising a Governing Council and an Executive Committee.

• The Executive Committee meets every month to coordinate, supervise, and deliberate on funding for Namami Ganga projects.

• The NMCG operates under the National Ganga Council. The NMCG is supported by State Programme Management Groups (SPMGs) in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

• Objective: The primary objective of the NMCG is to accomplish the mandate of the National Ganga Council.

• Goals: One of the key goals is to prevent, control, and abate environmental pollution in the Ganga River. The NMCG adopts a river basin approach for the rejuvenation of the Ganga River.

• Aim: The NMCG aims to maintain minimum ecological flows in the river to ensure water quality and environmentally sustainable development.

Vision

• i) Continuous Flow: The vision includes ensuring Aviral Dhara, which means a continuous flow of water in the Ganga.

• ii) Unpolluted Flow: The vision also encompasses Nirmal Dhara, which means an unpolluted flow of water.

• iii) Geologic and Ecological Integrity: The NMCG strives to preserve the geologic and ecological integrity of the river.