changeadminThe 9th edition of Ganga Utsav was celebrated by the National Mission for Clean Ganga under the aegis of the Indian government’s Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
A series of events was organised in collaboration with various partners, with a focus on knowledge, research and people’s participation devoted to the cause of river rejuvenation. Ganga Utsav has included events such as an international conference to address emerging issues, a riverathon to ideate with young minds, and a grassroots event to strengthen the river people connect with.
The main event was celebrated with great joy, devotion, and collective responsibility at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya, bringing together officials, students, and stakeholders to highlight ongoing efforts to conserve the Ganga.
Organised in honour of the life-giving river Ganga, the event began with the offering of sacred Jal Kalash, symbolising gratitude and a collective prayer to Mother Ganga, as she is fondly called in India.
The programme was followed by cultural segments, youth participation, and short film screenings showcasing Ayodhya’s rejuvenation efforts, reinforcing the belief that the Ganga is not merely a river but the nation’s lifeline and cultural soul.
Mr V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti, delivered the keynote address, emphasising that one-third of the Ministry’s work is dedicated solely to the River Ganga.
He highlighted that the Ganga basin spans 11 states, nearly 100 major cities and 150 districts, supporting almost half of India’s population and economy. He noted that more than 10,000 rivers are connected to the Ganga system, underscoring its immense ecological significance.
He also reiterated the importance of the National Mission for Clean Ganga—one of the Government of India’s major flagship programmes directly reviewed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Commending Ayodhya as a model city for adequate sewage and drain management, Mr V.L. Kantha Rao stressed the need for strong inter-departmental coordination and active community participation through groups such as Ganga Praharis to ensure all drains entering the river are treated.
The event also included cultural programs by local artists focusing on river rejuvenation, interaction between senior officers and Ganga Praharis, fish ranching, and a detailed presentation on the Urban River Management Plan for Ayodhya. Ganga Utsav also showcased the Ayodhya administration’s efforts to rejuvenate small rivers.
The event witnessed the release of two significant publications—‘Status of Waterbirds in the Ganga River Basin’ and ‘Status of Island Nesting Report’ —offering valuable insights into the region’s ecological health.
Ganga Utsav Celebrations at Amity University, Noida
At Amity School of Engineering and Technology, Ganga Utsav was celebrated in collaboration with the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) under the theme “Voices and Rhythms of River: Technical and Cultural Expressions.”
The event was graced by senior officers of NMCG who highlighted the importance of scientific planning, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative partnerships in river rejuvenation.
Officials emphasised NMCG’s integrated approach—from LiDAR and drone-based assessments to dashboards, water quality monitoring, and urban river management plans—and encouraged young innovators participating in Riverathon to contribute implementable solutions.
As part of the celebration, several significant resources were released, including Preventing Solid Waste Flow into Water: A Comprehensive Guide to Analysis and Reporting, The Colours of Ganga – A Children’s Art Tribute, and the LiDAR Data Release for Riverathon 1.0 participants.
The event also showcased a cultural programme titled “Rhythms of River: Cultural Expression,” celebrating the collective reverence for the Ganga.
RHAR 2025 Conference at IIT (BHU), Varanasi
The RHAR 2025 Conference, held at IIT BHU Varanasi, further enriched the celebrations with insightful discussions on advancing river health assessment and strengthening scientific approaches to river rejuvenation in India.
Experts, academicians, and policymakers outlined priorities for sustainable river management and integrated restoration practices.
Mr Anup Kumar Srivastava, Executive Director (Technical), chaired the technical session on “Groundwater Management for Small River Rejuvenation,” emphasising data-driven decision-making, integrated groundwater–surface water frameworks, and innovative assessment tools.
He also inaugurated a book on emerging contaminants authored by the SLCR team. An exhibition of photographs, posters, models, and student presentations—from Class IX to undergraduate level—showcased creative ideas and a strong youth commitment to river conservation.
The celebrations across locations concluded with meaningful stakeholder interactions, marking a unified nationwide effort to protect and rejuvenate the sacred Ganga.
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In September 2025, a Nadi Utsav (River Festival) dedicated to river conservation was organised by India’s Ministry of Culture in New Delhi. Read here.
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