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The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), in collaboration with the Ministry of Jal Shakti, recently organized the Ganga Utsav- The River Festivals 2022. This noteworthy event has gained attention for its unique approach to strengthening the public-river connection.
Ganga Utsav 2022: A Celebration of Rivers
Celebrated annually by the NMCG, Ganga Utsav aims to bridge the gap between people and their rivers. The festival serves as a platform to generate awareness about the importance of the river Ganga, its conservation, and the role everyone can play in its rejuvenation.
In 2021, NMCG etched its name in the Guinness Book of World Records for the highest number of photos of handwritten notes uploaded on Facebook within one hour. This achievement underlines the festival’s emphasis on Jan Bhagidari (People’s Participation).
This year, the Ganga Utsav is being dedicated to the 75 years of Indian Independence, under the banner of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. The plan is to hold similar celebrations at over 75 locations across states, aiming to bring forth a blend of art, culture, music, knowledge, poetry, dialogue, and stories revolving around India’s rivers.
Government Initiatives for River Ganga
Several initiatives have been undertaken by the government to preserve and clean the Ganga River. The first, Ganga Action Plan, focused on improving water quality by intercepting, diverting, and treating domestic sewage. Its extension, the National River Conservation Plan, aims to continue these efforts.
Other government initiatives include forming the National River Ganga Basin Authority in 2009, the establishment of the Clean Ganga Fund in 2014, and the launch of the Bhuvan-Ganga Web App to involve the public in monitoring river pollution. In 2017, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) implemented a ban on waste disposal in the Ganga.
Significance of River Ganga
The River Ganga, the longest river in India, holds immense significance in many ways. It spans over 2,510 km, flowing through mountains, valleys, and plains. Referred to as the most sacred river on earth by Hindus, it originates from the Gangotri Glacier’s snowfields in the Himalayas.
Its basin extends to Tibet (China), Nepal, and Bangladesh, covering an area of 10,86,000 sq.km. In India, it passes through several states, draining an area that accounts for about 26% of the country’s total geographical area.
Not just an important water body, the Ganga River is also home to the endangered Ganges River Dolphin. The river joins the Brahmaputra in Bangladesh and continues under the name Padma or Ganga, eventually emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
Preserving River Ganga: A Shared Responsibility
The protection and preservation of the Ganga River isn’t just the responsibility of the government. It requires public participation and collective efforts. The NMCG’s initiatives, like the Ganga Utsav, play a crucial role in spreading awareness, fostering a sense of responsibility, and encouraging everyone to contribute to this cause.
While the government has launched several schemes with varying results, it’s essential to identify strategies that can offer quantum leaps in preserving the Ganga. These could include stricter enforcement of pollution control laws, innovative technological solutions for waste management, and robust public education campaigns about the importance of river conservation.
Last Modified: February 18, 2024