✎ CAG report (2018-2023) found coliform levels in Ganga (Devprayag to Haridwar) increased 32 times due to untreated sewage discharge from 12 of 37 STPs.
Relevance for Banking, SSC & RBI Grade B exams: Economy/Governance
A recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit report has exposed critical gaps in the implementation of the Namami Gange programme in Uttarakhand, raising serious concerns about the efficacy of the government’s flagship river-cleaning initiative. The audit covering 2018-23 reveals that coliform levels in the Ganga between Devprayag and Haridwar have surged 32-fold, directly contradicting the programme’s stated objectives. The report highlights that 12 of the 37 sewage treatment plants (STPs) were discharging untreated sewage into the river and its tributaries, while 21 STPs in seven cities remained disconnected from domestic sewer networks, rendering them non-functional. Additionally, the audit found that district Ganga committees in key districts like Srinagar, Uttarkashi, and Tehri had failed to formulate river-basin management plans, and the state government’s expenditure of ₹55.08 crore on sewage infrastructure did not translate into tangible improvements in critical urban centres like Haridwar and Rishikesh.
This governance failure has significant implications for banking and financial institutions, particularly in assessing credit risks associated with infrastructure and environmental compliance. For aspirants preparing for Bank PO, IBPS, SBI, RBI Grade B, and SSC exams, this case underscores the importance of environmental governance, public expenditure audits, and the role of regulatory bodies like CAG in ensuring accountability. Questions on such reports may appear in sections testing current affairs, governance, and economic policies, making it essential for candidates to understand the interplay between public funds, environmental degradation, and institutional oversight.
Source: amarujala.com
Generated by AanyaAi for educational purpose.
2 comments on “CAG Report Exposes 32x Rise in Ganga Pollution Despite Namami Gange Funds”