Namami Gange model replica to clean Indian rivers: NMCG Director

NEW DELHI: The Namami Gange program will be replicated for other rivers in India, stated G Asok Kumar, newly appointed Direct General of National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in an interview on Monday, January 3. 

He informed that the Government of India is trying to see how to replicate and include the Namami Gange working model into the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP). This move will bring the program under the purview of NMCG and build a framework for covering rest of the rivers of the country. 

Kumar mentioned that the success of NMCG has increased the aspiration of people from across the country. “The in-depth research and development for cleaning the Ganges have raised the aspirations of people. There has also been an enhanced political will from all states to provide clean lakes to people.”

In the interview, Kumar also talked about the ‘Jal Shakti Kendras’. As part of the ‘Catch the Rain Campaign’, such centers have been set up in all districts. He stated that the center also provides information regarding water planning that can be taken up at a district level. He said that success of the NMCG has prompted the Government of India to prioritise cleaning the rivers.