World Environment Day, observed globally on the 5th of June, is a significant event that reminds us of our responsibility towards safeguarding our environment. In alignment with this global endeavor, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has marked this important day with a day-long convention. The primary aim of the convention was to discuss and initiate various methods to protect River Ganga and its tributaries, the lifelines of millions of people in India.
The Role of NMCG
The NMCG is an integral part of the Indian government’s efforts towards the conservation and rejuvenation of the sacred River Ganga. Established as an authority to clean, maintain, and increase public awareness about the river, NMCG played the host to a convention that not only discussed ways to protect and clean the river but also stressed the importance of public participation in these programs.
Ganga Quest: Engaging the Public in Conservation
In another noteworthy initiative, NMCG facilitated the Ganga Quest, which is a pan India bilingual quiz designed to increase public participation, particularly amongst the youth. This quiz focussed on the River Ganga and aimed to raise awareness about the river’s ecological importance, the challenges it faces, and possible solutions to address these issues.
The first ever national level online quiz on River Ganga, it was launched on 22nd April 2019, coinciding with World Earth Day and concluded on 22nd May 2019, aligning with World Biodiversity Day. It served as an effective platform to engage and educate the general public, especially the younger generation, about River Ganga.
| Event | Date | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Launch of Ganga Quest | 22nd April 2019 | Increase public awareness about River Ganga |
| Conclusion of Ganga Quest | 22nd May 2019 | Encourage participation in river conservation |
Partnerships for a Cause
For the execution of these initiatives, NMCG collaborates with various organizations that are stalwarts in nature and environmental conservation. For instance, for the Ganga Quest, partnerships were formed with Wildlife Institute of India, Tree Craze foundation, GIZ and VA Tech WABAG. These collaborations signal the commitment towards mobilizing resources and expertise in the pursuit of a cleaner and healthier River Ganga. The joint efforts of these entities have been instrumental in fostering public participation and spreading increased awareness about the river’s significance.