The name of the integrated conservation mission, approved as “Flagship Programme” by Union Government for conservation and rejuvenation of National river Ganga is –

Correct option is C

The Namami Gange Programme is an integrated conservation mission approved as a 'Flagship Programme' by the Union Government of India in June 2014, with a budget outlay of ₹20,000 crore. The primary objectives of this programme are the effective abatement of pollution, and the conservation and rejuvenation of the National River Ganga.
The programme adopts a comprehensive approach to address the multifaceted challenges affecting the Ganga River. It encompasses various initiatives, including:
•Sewerage Treatment Infrastructure: Development and rehabilitation of sewage treatment plants to prevent untreated sewage from entering the river.
•River-Front Development: Construction and modernization of ghats and crematoria to enhance the riverfront's aesthetics and reduce pollution.
•River-Surface Cleaning: Deployment of equipment and manpower to remove floating solid waste from the river's surface.
•Bio-Diversity Conservation: Initiatives to protect and restore the river's aquatic biodiversity, including the conservation of species like the Gangetic dolphin.
•Afforestation: Plantation drives along the riverbanks to prevent soil erosion and enhance the ecosystem.
•Public Awareness Campaigns: Efforts to educate and engage the public in the conservation of the Ganga through various outreach programmes.
•Industrial Effluent Monitoring: Regulation and monitoring of industrial discharges to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
•Ganga Gram: Development of model villages situated along the river to promote sustainable practices and sanitation.
These comprehensive measures aim to restore the Ganga to its pristine state, ensuring its ecological and cultural significance is preserved for future generations.
Information Booster:
•Historical Context: Before the Namami Gange Programme, efforts like the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) were initiated in 1986 to clean the river. However, these plans faced challenges and did not achieve the desired outcomes, leading to the formulation of a more integrated approach under the Namami Gange Programme.
•Institutional Framework: The programme is implemented by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), which functions under the Ministry of Jal Shakti's Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation. The NMCG acts as the coordinating body, ensuring the convergence of efforts across different sectors and states.
•Funding and Support: The substantial budget allocation underscores the government's commitment to the cause. Additionally, international collaborations and public-private partnerships have been encouraged to bring in expertise and resources for effective implementation.
•Community Participation: Recognizing the river's cultural and spiritual significance, the programme places a strong emphasis on community involvement. Local populations are engaged through various initiatives to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the river.
•Technological Interventions: Advanced technologies are employed for real-time monitoring of pollution levels, efficient waste management, and effective project implementation, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Additional Knowledge:
• Ganga Action Plan Phase II: Launched in 1993, this was an extension of the initial Ganga Action Plan initiated in 1986. The second phase aimed to cover tributaries of the Ganga and included additional towns along the river. Despite its expanded scope, it faced challenges similar to its predecessor, including inadequate infrastructure and lack of public participation, leading to limited success.
•Har-Har Gange Programme: This option does not correspond to any officially recognized program by the Union Government for the conservation of the Ganga. It appears to be a misnomer or a colloquial reference, as there is no documented initiative by this name in the context of Ganga rejuvenation efforts.
• Ganga Action Plan: Initiated in 1986, this was one of the earliest efforts by the Indian government to clean the Ganga River. The plan focused on intercepting and diverting sewage, setting up treatment plants, and creating public awareness. However, it faced several challenges, including inadequate planning, financial constraints, and lack of coordination among implementing agencies, resulting in limited effectiveness.