But here’s the reality check: That’s still nearly 300 stretches where water is too dirty to use safely. The main culprit? Untreated sewage from cities and industries. While ₹11,332 crore has been spent under Namami Gange alone, the challenge isn’t just money; it’s execution. Monitoring exists (2,265 stations!), but enforcement and last-mile cleanup lag. Rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Cauvery remain under stress. Progress is real; but so is the distance left to travel. Clean rivers won’t happen overnight. They need consistent political will, local accountability, and citizen awareness. The fight isn’t over; it’s just entering a tougher phase.