During the inaugural gathering of the National Ganga Council that took place in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, in 2019, India’s Prime Minister proposed a comprehensive shift in perspective. From ‘Namami Gange’, the thinking should evolve towards ‘Arth Ganga’. Broadly interpreted, ‘Arth Ganga’ suggests a model for sustainable development that emphasises economic activities associated with the Ganges River. The idea encompasses encouraging farmers to adopt eco-friendly agricultural practices and promoting tourism, while simultaneously focusing on the cleaning of the Ganga.
Sustainable Agriculture Practices
A crucial step in the ‘Arth Ganga’ project is the promotion of sustainable farming practices. Farmers in the Ganga basin area are being encouraged to engage in zero budget farming, a method that significantly reduces the cost of production by utilizing natural resources. Additionally, farmers are being urged to plant fruit trees and develop plant nurseries along the riverbanks. These environmentally friendly initiatives not only contribute to the health of the ecosystem but also provide an alternative source of income for the local agrarian community.
Hybrid Tourism Potential
The ‘Arth Ganga’ approach recognises the immense ‘hybrid’ tourism potential of the Ganges River basin region. This is conceptualized as a fusion of religious and adventure tourism. The creation of infrastructure for water sports, the development of campsites, and the establishment of cycling and walking tracks can help exploit this potential. A significant number of Indians, almost half of the population, reside in the areas surrounding this river belt. This could potentially translate into a substantial domestic tourist inflow, contributing to the local economy.
The Importance of Inland Waterway
One of the core facets of the ‘Arth Ganga’ project is the inland waterway. Given that approximately one-fifth of India’s total freight originates and one-third concludes in the states surrounding the Ganges Belt, water transport is essential. National Waterway-1, an inland water transport route between Haldia in West Bengal and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, is a significant part of this initiative.
Synergy with Infrastructure Development
The Ministry of Shipping aims to complement the ‘Arth Ganga’ through infrastructure development initiatives. Plans for the construction of a Freight Village in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and an Industrial Cluster-cum-Logistics Park in Sahibganj, Jharkhand, are underway. These projects aim to create synergy with Inland Waterways and promote economic growth in the region.
Eco-Tourism & Conservation
The ‘Arth Ganga’ plan not only focuses on economic activities but also seeks to preserve the natural environment. By promoting ecotourism, wildlife conservation, and cruise tourism on the Ganges, it generates sustainable income streams. Ultimately, these revenues are intended to finance the cleaning of the Ganga, ensuring that economic development does not come at the cost of environmental degradation.
