Lok Sabha Question No. 2894 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-12
Subject: Role of Ganga Utsav
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, Shri Kanwar Singh Tanwar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2894

ANSWERED ON 12.12.2024

## ROLE OF GANGA UTSAV

†2894. SHRI KANWAR SINGH TANWAR SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

(a) the role of the Ganga Utsav to promote conservation and reverence for Ganga river;

(b) the number of districts situated in the Ganga Basin and participated in the Ganga Utsav 2024; and

(c) the importance of public participation in the conservation of water?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI

## ( SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY )

(a) The  objective  of  Ganga  Utsav  is  to  invoke  public  awareness,  participation,  engagement  and behavioural changes in the people living along the Ganga basin. The Utsav highlights the significance of Jan  Bhagidari  in  the  revival  of  Ganga,  with  focus  on  encouraging  stakeholder  engagement  and  public participation towards the rejuvenation of river Ganga.

Ganga Utsav 2024 was a blend of technical, cultural, spiritual and educational activities aimed at river rejuvenation. For the first time, central level event was celebrated on the banks of river Ganga to act as  model  festival  for  celebrating  rivers  in  India.  The  event  included  a  broad-based  participation  from school children, college students, river professionals, officers of Urban Local Bodies, partners of NMCG, companies, spiritual leaders, officers of Union and State Government of Uttarakhand and NMCG officers and staff. The event was organized on Chandi Ghat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand State.

The event included technical sessions on 'Citizen led Urban River Management', Treated Water Reuse: Policy to Practice and  International collaboration for river rejuvenation. A spiritual session was organized to discuss deep rooted connection between spirituality and preservation of river. Ganga related films were shown along with storytelling sessions to engage youth and children with the rivers. Exhibition by various stakeholders showcased technologies, biodiversity, initiatives and impact of Namami Gange and  other  relevant  themes.   Ganga  Aarti  strengthened  the  river  connect  with  the  citizens  aiming  at promoting sustainable development in and around the Ganga basin.

(b) There  are  139  districts  which  has  been  notified  as  a  District  Ganga  Committee  along  Ganga main stem.  Out of these, more than 110 districts celebrated Ganga Utsav in 2024.

(c) People's participation is key to conservation and efficient management of water resources. Collective effort from all spheres of society including public at large is key to sustainability of the various initiatives and activities toward water conservation. Reduce, Recycle and Reuse principle for promotion of reducing water usage at Household level, Conservation of water by Rain water harvesting, treated water reuse at community level etc.,  are some of the activities promoted for raising awareness about water conservation and sustainable water practices.

*****