The Arth Ganga initiative, a recent addition to the Government-launched Namami Ganga Program in 2014, is a sustainable and economically viable development model aimed at bolstering the connection between rivers and people. Developed to serve as an economic bridge, the concept of Arth Ganga is spearheaded by the Namami Gange mission, involving various stakeholders. As an extension of the Namami Ganga Program, it joins four other verticals: Nirmal Ganga, Aviral Ganga, Jan Ganga, and Gyan Ganga.
Arth Ganga’s Six Pillars:
Six foundational elements have been identified which pave the way for the Arth Ganga mission. These include the promotion of natural farming, monetisation and reuse of treated water resources, enhancement of livelihood opportunities, promotion of tourism, people’s participation and capacity building, and empowering local administration for improved water governance.
Promotion of Natural Farming:
One of the significant pillars of the Arth Ganga project involves promoting natural farming within the 5 km band on either side of River Ganga. This step is taken to ensure a sustainable practice that provides an economic boost to the rural population and fosters a connection between river-land practices.
Monetisation and Reuse of Treated Water Resources:
A key aspect of the Arth Ganga initiative is to monetise and reuse the treated water and sludge from the STPs. This move not only promotes resource utilisation but also creates employment opportunities and leads to cleaner rivers.
Improvement of Livelihood Opportunities:
This pillar focuses on improving livelihood prospects, particularly for women. The initiative strives to provide income-generating activities, thus empowering people economically in order to maintain their dependence on the river.
Promotion of Tourism and Cultural heritage:
Recognising the potential of tourism to boost the economy, this aspect aims at promoting tourism and cultural heritage. This move is expected to attract a large number of tourists, thereby uplifting the surrounding economy while preserving and showcasing cultural heritage.
People’s Participation and Capacity Building:
The Arth Ganga initiative emphasises people’s participation and capacity building. It believes in involving local people in decision-making processes and providing them with the necessary skills development opportunities for successful implementation of the project.
Empowering Local Administration for Improved Water Governance:
The last pillar of the Arth Ganga initiative focuses on empowering local administration for improved water governance. This strategy helps to ensure that the project is managed and directed efficiently, ensuring the sustainability of the program in the long run.
The Arth Ganga project takes a comprehensive approach towards the sustainable development of the areas surrounding River Ganga. By combining actionable measures that promote economic growth, sustainability and stakeholder involvement, it allows for a harmonious co-existence between human life and natural resources. The future, indeed, seems promising with the implementation of the Arth Ganga initiative.