Ensure Environmental Flow (e-flow) in the Ganga River



On July, 2025, Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil convened a crucial meeting to review the environmental flow (e-flow) of the Ganga River and its tributaries. The initiative aims to promote sustainable river management by ensuring the river has an uninterrupted flow of water, which is vital for its ecological health.

Key focus points of the meeting
  • Evaluation of the 2018 E-flow Notification: A primary topic was to assess the impact of the 2018 notification, which set minimum e-flow requirements for the upper Ganga and its main stem. The minister emphasized evaluating its effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement.
  • Expediting e-flow studies: The minister issued clear directives to accelerate ongoing e-flow studies, particularly for tributaries like the Yamuna. These scientific assessments are intended to guide the maintenance of ecological balance and improve water management.
  • Inclusive water management: The initiative was described as an inclusive and scientific approach, with broad consultations involving stakeholders from the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Central Water Commission (CWC), and expert institutions such as IIT Roorkee.
  • Strengthening decision-making: The discussions centered on reinforcing decision-making processes to ensure that actions taken are aligned with preserving river ecosystems.
  • Involving technology: The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) approved studies to be carried out across the Ganga basin to better understand and manage environmental flows.
Broader context of Ganga rejuvenation

The meeting on e-flows is part of the larger, ongoing Namami Gange Mission, which focuses on two key components:

  • Aviral Dhara (Uninterrupted Flow): Ensuring a continuous and sustainable flow of the river.
  • Nirmal Dhara (Unpolluted Flow): Preventing and controlling pollution, including from industrial sources.

Earlier in the year, the Ministry had already launched a new E-flow Monitoring System to track the river’s flow and other critical parameters in real-time, integrating this data into the PRAYAG portal. These efforts underscore the government’s commitment to using a data-driven, holistic, and sustainable approach for Ganga’s rejuvenation.

 

Explanation of Exam Oriented Key Terms
01
Environmental Flow (E-Flow)

E-flow, or environmental flow, is the quantity, timing, and quality of water flows required to sustain freshwater and estuarine ecosystems and the human livelihoods that depend on them.

Key highlights
  •  Definition: E-flow specifies the minimum amount of water that must be maintained in a river to preserve its ecological health. It ensures that natural hydrological processes, which are essential for ecosystem functioning, are not severely disrupted by human activities.
  • Key components: E-flow is not just about quantity. It also includes the appropriate timing and quality of water flows needed to mimic the natural variations in a river system, such as seasonal flow fluctuations.
  • Purpose: The objective is to achieve a balance between water allocated for human use (irrigation, hydropower, domestic, and industrial) and the water needed to sustain the river’s ecological integrity.
Significance and benefits
  •  Biodiversity conservation: E-flow maintains the natural habitats of aquatic species, supporting biodiversity and the survival of fish and other aquatic life.
  • Ecological balance: It helps sustain the overall river ecology and crucial processes like sediment transport, nutrient cycling, and the self-cleaning capacity of the river.
  • Livelihood support: It protects the livelihoods of communities dependent on the river for fishing, agriculture, and other economic activities.
  • Water quality: By ensuring a minimum flow, it helps in diluting pollutants, which improves the overall water quality.
  • River connectivity: E-flow ensures longitudinal connectivity, which allows for the movement of nutrients, sediments, and aquatic organisms both upstream and downstream.

India’s initiatives on E-flow

  • River Ganga: In 2018, the Central government mandated minimum E-flow for various stretches of the Ganga River, a directive that applies to existing and new hydropower and other projects. The Central Water Commission (CWC) is responsible for supervising, monitoring, and regulating these flows.
  • Monitoring system: In 2024, the Union Jal Shakti Ministry launched an E-flow Monitoring System to provide real-time tracking of river water quality. This system, part of the Namami Gange programme, aids in the planning and oversight of projects along the Ganga and its tributaries.
  • Legal backing: The notification mandating minimum E-flow for the Ganga was issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, giving it strong legal standing.

 

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Consider the following statements regarding the Environmental Flow (E-Flow) of the Ganga River in the context of recent government initiatives:

I. Environmental flow refers to the quantity, timing, and quality of water flow required solely to sustain the freshwater ecosystems of a river

II. The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is collaborating with technical institutes like IIT Roorkee and the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) to conduct e-flow assessment studies in the Ganga basin and its tributaries

Which of the statements given above are correct?

a) I only
b) II only
c) Both I and II
d) Neither I nor II

Answer: b

Explanation: Statement I is true: Statement I is incorrect: Environmental flow considers the water needed to support both freshwater ecosystems and the livelihoods that rely on them. Statement II is correct: Representatives from NMCG, CWC, NIH, and IIT Roorkee, who are involved in e-flow assessments across the Ganga basin, participated in the meeting.

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Author: monutomar03@gmail.com