New Delhi: The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is strengthening its river rejuvenation strategy by integrating Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) with conventional wastewater treatment systems to create sustainable and climate-resilient solutions for cleaner rivers.
Under its Sustainable River Rejuvenation (SRR) programme, NMCG has initiated pilot projects based on constructed wetlands for treating urban drains while also focusing on research, innovation, and capacity building to promote wider adoption of ecological restoration methods.
The approach combines traditional infrastructure such as sewage networks and Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with natural treatment systems to improve river health and restore aquatic ecosystems.
NMCG Launches Two Pilot Constructed Wetland Projects in Delhi
As part of its Nature-Based Solutions initiative, NMCG has started two pilot projects at:
- Shastri Park Drain
- Kailash Nagar Drain
Both drains discharge into the Yamuna River and together have a treatment capacity of around 10 MLD (million litres per day).
These projects aim to demonstrate sustainable, low-energy, and cost-effective methods for managing urban wastewater by using constructed wetland technology.
Unlike conventional treatment systems that depend heavily on mechanical infrastructure and high energy consumption, constructed wetlands replicate the natural purification process of wetlands.
Read also: NMCG Adds 538 MLD Sewage Treatment Capacity in FY 2025–26 to Accelerate Ganga Cleaning Mission
How Constructed Wetlands Will Improve Water Quality
The pilot projects use a combination of natural and engineered processes, including:
- Stone masonry structures to regulate water flow and increase retention time
- Rock filters for removing suspended solids
- Aquatic vegetation for nutrient absorption and oxygen transfer
- Phytoremediation using selected plants to absorb and reduce pollutants
These natural processes will help:
- Improve dissolved oxygen levels
- Reduce organic pollution
- Remove excess nutrients and certain heavy metals
- Enhance biodiversity
- Restore ecological functions of river ecosystems
The systems require lower operational and maintenance efforts compared to energy-intensive treatment technologies.
Progress of Shastri Park and Kailash Nagar Projects
Work on both pilot sites is progressing steadily.
At the Kailash Nagar Drain, activities completed include:
- Site clearance
- Desludging and desilting work
- Brick lining activities underway
The next phase will include installation of rock filtration systems.
At the Shastri Park Drain, preparatory activities such as desludging and desilting are underway. The project will further include:
- Installation of stone masonry structures
- Development of rock filtration systems
- Plantation of suitable aquatic species
Together, these projects are expected to serve as scalable models for urban drain management across the Ganga basin.
NMCG Focuses on Capacity Building for Nature-Based Solutions
Along with implementing pilot projects, NMCG is investing in technical knowledge and institutional capacity to support wider adoption of Nature-Based Solutions.
Through the Knowledge Sharing and Development Centre (KSDC) initiative, NMCG organised six capacity-building and training programmes between August 2025 and March 2026.
More than 100 participants from various government departments and organisations benefited from these programmes.
Participants included officials and engineers from:
- Yamuna Task Force
- District Ganga Committees of Uttarakhand
- State Mission for Clean Ganga (SMCGs)
- Forest Departments
- Irrigation Departments
- Other river rejuvenation agencies
Training Programmes Promote Sustainable River Management
The training sessions focused on:
- Planning and designing Nature-Based Solutions
- Constructed wetland systems
- Ecological restoration techniques
- Sustainable river basin management
The programmes encouraged coordination between different agencies and helped officials understand best practices for implementing science-based river restoration projects.
NMCG aims to create a strong knowledge network that supports innovation and sustainable approaches for river conservation.
Constructed Wetland Project Underway for River Kali Rejuvenation
Beyond the Yamuna-related pilot projects, NMCG is also implementing a Constructed Wetland project at Khatauli for the rejuvenation of the River Kali, a tributary of the Ganga basin.
The River Kali receives significant domestic and industrial discharge before joining the Ganga basin.
The project uses natural biological processes and wetland vegetation to:
- Reduce pollution levels
- Improve water quality
- Support ecological restoration
- Create a sustainable wastewater treatment model
NMCG’s Integrated Approach for Cleaner Rivers
NMCG’s adoption of Nature-Based Solutions reflects a broader strategy that combines engineering solutions with ecological restoration.
By integrating STPs, wastewater management systems, environmental flow measures, and constructed wetlands, the mission aims to develop healthier river ecosystems and resilient water management systems.
The initiative is expected to provide scalable models for river conservation across India while promoting sustainable solutions that work in harmony with nature.
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