Retired IAS G. Asok Kumar Appointed Consultant in Delhi PWD

Summarize with:

New Delhi: The Government of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi has appointed retired IAS G. Asok Kumar (1991 batch, Telangana cadre) as a Consultant in the Public Works Department (PWD).

The appointment, approved by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, will initially be for one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and departmental needs.

The move brings back one of India’s most respected administrators in the field of water and infrastructure management. Asok Kumar is best known for leading national flagship missions such as Namami Gange and Catch the Rain, which have been lauded for their large-scale impact on water conservation and sustainability.

A former Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Kumar brings over three decades of experience across governance, infrastructure, and public policy. Officials stated that his induction is aimed at enhancing project execution, sustainability, and efficiency in Delhi’s infrastructure and water management sectors.

Under his leadership, the Namami Gange programme was transformed into one of the most successful river restoration missions globally. In 2022, the United Nations recognized it as one of the Top 10 Global Eco-Restoration Flagships.

Often called the ‘Rain Man of India,’ Asok Kumar also conceptualized and launched the Catch the Rain campaign under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Water Day in 2021. The campaign encouraged states, districts, and communities to adopt rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge practices, turning it into a nationwide movement for water conservation.

Over his 33-year administrative career, Asok Kumar has served in key roles across civil aviation, power, infrastructure, education, and sanitation. He was instrumental in establishing the Ganga River Basin Management Cell, the River Cities Alliance, and Jal Shakti Kendras to strengthen water governance. He also created District Ganga Committees and the PRAYAG platform for real-time monitoring of river rejuvenation efforts.

In Hyderabad, he led major infrastructure initiatives, including the Outer Ring Road, Krishna Phase-II, and Godavari Water Supply Projects. As a policy innovator, he founded the India Smart Grid Forum under the Ministry of Power. He played a crucial role in setting up the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau during his tenure in the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Kumar’s work has earned him numerous honors, including the Telangana Excellence Award (2018), the Governor’s Award for Excellence (2023), and the Jal Mitra Award (2002). In a rare tribute, a lake and a village — Asok Sagar and Asok Nagar — were named after him in recognition of his public service.