Ganga Utsav 2018 was celebrated by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in collaboration with HCL and the German development agency GIZ, with the highlight being the Bal Ganga Mela held on November 4th. This event marked a special occasion, as November 4th is the day when the Ganga was declared the National River of India in 2008. The aim of the celebration was to engage the youth, especially school children, in river conservation and make them aware of the significance of Ganga and the need to protect it.
Inspiring the Younger Generation
The event was designed to impart knowledge about the Ganga’s ecological, cultural, and spiritual importance in a fun and engaging manner. Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Director General of NMCG, highlighted that the mission has always sought to involve children and youth in its activities to build a sustainable future for the river. He emphasized that the participation of children in initiatives like Bal Ganga Divas is key to spreading awareness and ensuring the long-term success of the Namami Gange Mission.
Interactive Activities and Engagement
At the heart of the event were interactive sessions, street plays, games, quizzes, and other engaging activities aimed at fostering a deep understanding of the Ganga. Through creative exercises, children were encouraged to express their thoughts on the river and its conservation through art. They also participated in educational street plays that depicted the importance of preserving not only the Ganga but also the trees along its banks.
The activities were designed to make learning about the river an enjoyable experience for children. One of the highlights was a quiz on the Ganga, which tested the children's knowledge and raised their awareness about the river’s significance and challenges. Other activities included games like Snake and Ladder, which kept the children excited and engaged throughout the event.
Message of Involvement and Public Participation
Senior government officials, including UP Singh, Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, underlined the importance of involving children in the mission. Singh noted that children can influence their families and communities, helping spread awareness about the Ganga’s preservation. He stressed the need for children to understand basic facts about the river, such as its origins, tributaries, aquatic life, and the reasons behind its pollution. Through this knowledge, children can take action to contribute to the mission at home and in their communities.
Afforestation and Collaboration with HCL
An important aspect of the celebration was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NMCG and HCL to support afforestation efforts near the Yamuna and Hindon rivers, which are tributaries of the Ganga. This initiative aimed at planting trees in areas around these rivers will contribute to the long-term health of the Ganga ecosystem. Rajiv Ranjan Mishra emphasized that this partnership with HCL would help in improving the environment by using unused land for afforestation, thus contributing positively to the Namami Gange mission.
Commitment to Ganga Rejuvenation
Since the launch of the Namami Gange program, NMCG has been tirelessly working to clean and rejuvenate the river through various initiatives. Ganga Utsav 2018 reinforced this commitment by showcasing the ongoing efforts and involving the public, especially the youth, in the process. Through engaging children in awareness programs like the Bal Ganga Mela, NMCG ensured that the future generations understand the importance of preserving the river and contribute actively to its rejuvenation.
In conclusion, Ganga Utsav 2018 successfully celebrated the river’s cultural, spiritual, and ecological importance while also involving the younger generation in the mission to preserve and rejuvenate the Ganga. The event highlighted the role of education, public participation, and collaborative efforts in making the Namami Gange Mission a success.