New Delhi: The 7th edition of Ganga Utsav, organised by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), was inaugurated by Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, in the presence of G. Asok Kumar, Director General of NMCG. Held on November 4, 2023, a wide range of activities were arranged as part of the celebration to establish a deeper connection between people and rivers and to raise awareness about river rejuvenation.
Ganga Utsav 2023 began with the traditional lighting of the lamp and the stirring sounds of the Namami Gange Anthem. The event saw the participation of several dignitaries, including Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation within the Ministry of Jal Shakti, G. Asok Kumar, Director General of NMCG, SP Vashishth, Executive Director (Admin), Anup Kumar Srivastava, Executive Director (Technical), and Nalin Kumar Srivastava, Executive Director (Projects)/DDG.
Debashree Mukherjee commenced her address by emphasising that the Ganga is more than just a river; it is a profound emotion that resonates with everyone.
She conveyed her satisfaction in observing the remarkable advancements in the rejuvenation initiatives, particularly through collaboration with the younger generation.
Mukherjee emphasised that the preservation of rivers is a shared responsibility, not solely the domain of the government. She highlighted the pressing need to address the issue of solid waste contaminating water bodies.
She underscored the urgency of tackling the flow of sewage into water bodies and advocated for enhanced solid waste management, particularly emphasising plastic waste control.
In her address, she also highlighted the significance of water conservation in the revitalisation of rivers. She stressed the need for collective action and collaboration, underscoring that water conservation and river rejuvenation are shared fundamental responsibilities.
Secretary Mukherjee concluded her speech by highlighting the essential role of the Jan Andolan (people’s movement) in the noble cause of river rejuvenation.
Director General of NMCG, G Asok Kumar, highlighted the government’s recognition of the Ganga as a national treasure in 2008, leading to the establishment of National Ganga Day, uniting diverse stakeholders in annual celebrations. Despite this year’s unfortunate cancellation of some activities due to poor air quality, Kumar commended the unwavering enthusiasm of participants.
He emphasised the significance of the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre as the launchpad for the “Catch the Rain” campaign, where the Prime Minister stressed the Ganga’s role in our heritage. Notably, Namami Gange received recognition from the United Nations as a top 10 World Restoration Flagship, a source of national pride and motivation.
Ganga Utsav was celebrated nationwide by district Ganga committees, fostering a deeper connection with people and paving the way for positive grassroots participation.
Kumar discussed the transition from an engineering-oriented approach to the Artha Ganga model, focusing on community involvement, education, and economic development. He noted the increased population of Ganges River dolphins and partnerships with international organisations.
Dedicated women volunteers were acknowledged for promoting a clean Ganga, and the Dilli Haat-Jalaj project’s economic contributions were highlighted. The mission’s commitment to the Ganga’s tributaries, including Hindon, Kaali Nadi, and Yamuna, was underlined.
Kumar concluded by reaffirming NMCG’s unwavering dedication to fostering a deep connection between people and the sacred Ganga River. The mission remains steadfast in its commitment to restoring the Ganga to its pristine state and safeguarding its precious ecosystem.
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