Arth Ganga, a recent addition to the Namami Ganga Program, emerged from the National Ganga Council’s decision in December 2019. It aims to establish a sustainable economic development model that bolsters the relationship between the Ganga and its communities.
Arth Ganga: Integration with Namami Ganga
- Added as a vertical within the Namami Ganga Program alongside existing pillars like Nirmal Ganga, Aviral Ganga, Jan Ganga, and Gyan Ganga.
- Aims to lead the concept of Arth Ganga with collaboration among various ministries, stakeholders, institutions, and community organizations.
Pillars of Project Arth Ganga
Six key pillars identified for Arth Ganga:
- Promotion of Natural Framing: Encouraging natural farming along a 5 km band on both sides of the river.
- Monetization of Treated Water: Reusing treated water and sludge from Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs).
- Livelihood Improvement: Focusing on enhancing livelihood opportunities, especially for women.
- Tourism and Cultural Heritage: Promoting tourism and preserving cultural heritage along the Ganga.
- People’s Participation: Engaging local communities and fostering their participation.
- Capacity Building: Developing institutions and capacities for effective implementation.
Implementation and Objectives
- Various initiatives underway through the National Mission for Clean Ganga in coordination with ministries and stakeholders.
- Long-term objective: Creating an economic bridge linking people and the Ganga, garnering public participation for river conservation and sustainable development.
- No specific short-term goals outlined, emphasizing the importance of long-term strategies aligning economic activities with Ganga rejuvenation.
The project envisions a sustainable economic model that intertwines the river’s vitality with community welfare and involvement, emphasizing both conservation and development aspects.
Source: PIB
