The Ganga Aamantran Abhiyan, scheduled from 10th October to 11th November 2019, is designed as a pioneering open-water rafting and kayaking exploration on the sacred Ganga River. Organized by the National Mission for Clean Ganga, this campaign aims to traverse the river’s entire length starting from Devprayag in Uttarakhand and concluding at Ganga Sagar in West Bengal. A grand attempt to bring to light the ecological issues plaguing the Ganga, this event marks the longest social drive through an adventure sport to emphasize river rejuvenation and water conservation on a significant scale.
The Endeavour and its Significance
The expedition is spearheaded by a committed team of nine members, chosen from the various services of the Indian Armed Forces. They will initiate community cleaning drives and engage with local students to share the importance of preserving our rivers. The campaign isn’t solely about raising awareness. It has a distinct scientific objective too, facilitated by the team from CSIR–Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, who will gather water samples for testing along diverse segments of the river. Equally crucial is the task assigned to the Wildlife Institute of India members who will be taking a census of the flora and fauna during the expedition.
Campaign Reach and Impact
Ganga Aamantran Abhiyan covers the five Ganga basin states – Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, and West Bengal. The mission aims not just to inspire a collective consciousness about the state of the Ganga among the general public but also seeks to connect various stakeholders of the Ganga to foster improvements in its water quality.
Key Facts
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| CSIR- Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR) | A prominent CSIR laboratory focusing on toxicology research to address health and environmental issues. Established in 1965, it is based in Lucknow, UP. |
| Wildlife Institute of India (WII) | An autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate change, set up in 1982. Based in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, WII offers training programs, academic courses, and advisory services in wildlife research and management. |
Future Prospects
The Ganga Aamantran Abhiyan represents an innovative approach to fostering a sustainable future for one of India’s most revered and crucial waterways. By combining sporting activity, community engagement, scientific research, and advocacy, this campaign embodies a comprehensive effort towards river conservation and rejuvenation.
