The sacred river Ganga, which flows alongside major cities in India, has become a focal point for government initiatives aimed at preserving its purity and health. The government has recently announced the deployment of Ganga Mitras in these cities. These Ganga Mitras will play a crucial role in gathering accurate data on pollutant levels in the Ganga River and deliberating on sustainable solutions. The program has commenced in the city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, under the National Clean Ganga Mission, also known as Namami Gange. Approximately 200 young individuals will undergo a three-month training program at the Mahamana Malaviya Ganga Research Center in Varanasi.
Comprehensive Training Along the Ganga
During their training, participants will receive in-depth technical and practical knowledge about the Ganga River, covering its entire span from Gomukh in Gangotri to Ganga Sagar. This training program, set to begin in December, has already attracted around 600 registrants. Candidates will be selected for interviews based on their basic merit, with interviews scheduled for November 19th and 22nd. The final merit list will be prepared based on the candidates’ basic merit and interview performance.
Targeting Cities Along the Ganga
According to Professor B.D. Tripathi, the project’s coordinator and the head of the Center for Environmental Sciences at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), the focus of the Ganga Mitra initiative is on cities situated along the Ganga River, from Gangotri to Ganga Sagar.
Role of Ganga Mitras
The appointed Ganga Mitras will collect data on harmful pollutants in the Ganga River and submit their findings to project managers. The government will then assess the information and take significant steps towards cleaning and conserving the Ganga River. After completing their training, Ganga Mitras will actively participate in various seminars related to Ganga River conservation, serving as sentinels for its protection.
Boosting Eco-Tourism
The Ganga conservation and cleanliness program will also boost eco-tourism along the river. Additionally, it will improve the income of people dependent on the Ganga River for their livelihoods. The program aims to increase public awareness and prepare Ganga Mitras to serve as security guards during events like flood management, the Kumbh Mela, and Ganga pilgrimages.
Monitoring Pollutants
The training program will educate candidates on how to examine the Ganga River’s physical conditions during their training. Participants will also learn to analyze the chemical properties of Ganga water and hazardous chemicals discharged from factories. Furthermore, participants will gain knowledge about the religious, scientific, social, and economic significance of the Ganga River.
Kashi Hindu University Launches Training
The training for eco-skilled Ganga Mitras commenced at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, and the official Ganga Mitra website was launched during a ceremony attended by Chief Guest Arvind Kumar Tripathi, a retired judge of the High Court. He emphasized the sacredness of the Ganga River and the responsibility of citizens to ensure it remains unpolluted.
The Ganga Mitra initiative is a significant step towards the conservation and preservation of the holy Ganga River. Through rigorous training and monitoring, these young individuals will play a vital role in safeguarding this lifeline of India. As we move forward, it is essential to remember that the Ganga is not just a river; it is a source of spiritual, ecological, and economic sustenance for millions of people, and its protection is our collective responsibility.