Source: The post is based on the article “Explained: What is ‘Arth Ganga’, govt’s new model for the river’s sustainable development” published in Indian Express on 25th August 2022.
What is the News?
Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga spoke about the Arth Ganga model during his virtual keynote address to the Stockholm World Water Week 2022.
Note: Since 1991, the Stockholm International Water Institute has been organizing World Water Week every year to address global water concerns.
What is Arth Ganga?
Origin: In 2019, PM first introduced the concept of Arth Ganga during the first National Ganga Council meeting in Kanpur where he urged for a shift from Namami Gange (cleaning of Ganga) to the model of Arth Ganga.
Definition: The Arth Ganga focuses on the sustainable development of the Ganga and its surrounding areas, by focusing on economic activities related to the river.
– The Arth Ganga model seeks to use economics to bridge people with the river. It strives to contribute at least 3% of the GDP from the Ganga Basin itself.
Features: Under Arth Ganga, the government is working on six verticals:
1. Zero Budget Natural Farming: It involves chemical-free farming on 10 km on either side of the river, and the promotion of cow dung as fertilizer through the GOBARdhan scheme.
2. Monetization and Reuse of Sludge & Wastewater: It seeks to reuse treated water for irrigation, industries and revenue generation for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
3. Livelihood Generation Opportunities by creating haats where people can sell local products, medicinal plants and ayurveda.
4. Increase public participation by increasing synergies between the stakeholders involved with the river.
5. Promote the cultural heritage and tourism of Ganga and its surroundings, through boat tourism, adventure sports and conducting yoga activities.
6. Promote institutional building by empowering local administration for improved water governance.
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