Why is it in the news?
- Recently, the Environmental Flows Monitoring System, developed by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), was introduced by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti.
About the Environmental Flows (E-flows) Monitoring System
- This system is a key component of the extensive PRAYAG Portal, enabling real-time analysis and monitoring of water quality in rivers, specifically focusing on the Ganga and its tributaries.
- Its purpose is to empower authorities to oversee river water quality, evaluate project impacts, and strategize future undertakings with enhanced precision and ecological awareness.
- The system strives to analyze both natural factors and human-induced effects on water quality across India’s coasts, tackling issues like industrial discharges, urban development, river flow, and agricultural runoff.
- It plays a crucial role in supervising Namami Gange Program activities, which are dedicated to the cleanliness and preservation of the Ganga. This oversight includes monitoring the functionality of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and other infrastructure essential for preserving river well-being.
- The system is in alignment with broader environmental initiatives, such as those carried out by INCOIS, which has introduced a coastal water quality monitoring system.
Environmental Flows (E-flows) · It refers to the water flow maintained within a river, wetland, or coastal area to sustain ecosystems and their benefits amidst competing water demands and controlled flow modifications aimed at enhancing river health. |