In a significant push for technology-driven river conservation, the Uttar Pradesh government, in collaboration with central agencies, has successfully concluded high-resolution aerial surveys of areas along the main stem of the Ganga within the state. This initiative marks a pivotal step in the ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the sacred river and combat pollution.
A Technological Leap for River Monitoring
The advanced surveys have generated precise geospatial datasets, which are now being integrated into a live GIS-based drain dashboard designed for round-the-clock surveillance. This innovative dashboard boasts both 2D and 3D visualisation capabilities, empowering authorities with basin-level pollution monitoring, identification of contamination hotspots, and the ability to prioritise drain remediation measures effectively.
Officials highlight that this is a first-of-its-kind project in India where scientific data from LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology has been combined with visual data captured through comprehensive drone surveys. LiDAR, an active remote sensing method, along with drone imagery, has enabled the precise identification of all drains discharging into the Ganga, allowing for a comprehensive strategy to tackle drainage-related challenges.
Central Review and Emphasis on Water Reuse
The progress of this technological deployment in the Ganga river basin was reviewed at a high-level meeting on Monday, chaired by Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil. The meeting underscored critical next steps beyond monitoring.
A major focus was placed on the importance of reusing treated wastewater. Minister Paatil directed all states to swiftly formulate policies for the safe reuse of treated water, aligning with the national framework. The review stressed promoting water reuse in states with clearly defined targets and creating an enabling environment through policy notifications.
The discussion also covered the adoption of innovative, research-based solutions such as ‘aquifer mapping’ with a focus on Paleo-Channels, alongside initiatives in bioremediation and advanced sewage treatment projects, including centralised effluent treatment plants.
Enhanced Surveillance for Treatment Plants
Parallel to the aerial mapping project, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) – the central nodal agency for the Ganga rejuvenation programme – is rolling out additional monitoring layers. The agency is introducing CCTV-based real-time monitoring systems for Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs).
This visual system will be integrated with an AI-enabled feature extraction system and a centralised dashboard. This integration aims to significantly bolster the monitoring and compliance framework for STPs, which are currently tracked through Online Continuous Effluent Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) for parameters like BOD, COD, DO, pH, and TSS.
An official explained that "the new initiative will add a critical layer of physical and visual monitoring to address concerns related to effective operation of STPs", ensuring they function optimally to reduce pollution entering the river.
Together, these technological interventions represent a modern, data-centric approach to the monumental task of cleaning and preserving the River Ganga, setting a new benchmark for river management in India.
