In News: The Arth Ganga model was mentioned by Indian delegates at Stockholm World Water Week 2022.
Since 1991, the Stockholm International Water Institute has been organising the World Water Week every year to address global water concerns.
Arth Ganga Concept
Prime Minister of India first introduced the concept during the first National Ganga Council meeting 2019, where he urged for a shift from Namami Gange, to the model of Arth Ganga.
The latter focuses on the sustainable development of the Ganga and its surrounding areas, by focusing on economic activities related to the river.
At its core, the Arth Ganga model seeks to use economics to bridge people with the river.
Features
Under Arth Ganga, the government is working on six verticals.
The first is Zero Budget Natural Farming, which involves chemical-free farming on 10 km on either side of the river, and the promotion of cow dung as fertiliser through the GOBARdhan scheme.
The Monetization and Reuse of Sludge & Wastewater is the second, which seeks to reuse treated water for irrigation, industries and revenue generation for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
It involves Livelihood Generation Opportunities, by creating haats where people can sell local products, medicinal plants and ayurveda.
The fourth is to increase public participationby increasing synergies between the stakeholders involved with the river.
The model promotes the cultural heritage and tourism of Ganga and its surroundings, through boat tourism, adventure sports and by conducting yoga activities.
Lastly, the model seeks to promote institutional building by empowering local administration for improved water governance.
Arth Ganga Initiatives
Recently Jal Shakti Ministry unveiled many new initiatives under Arth Ganga
Jalaj initiative
Jalaj is being implemented in association with Wildlife Institute of India.
A trained cadre of Ganga Praharis have been created from among the local people by WII for biodiversity conservation and Ganga rejuvenation.
Jalaj, innovative mobile livelihood centre, are aimed at aligning the skill enhancement activities with Ganga conservation.
MoU was signed between NMCG and Sahakar Bharati
To achieve the vision of a sustainable and viable economic development by public participation, creation and strengthening of local cooperatives directing their cooperation towards realizing the mandate of Arth Ganga.
ImAvatar
A tourism related portal ImAvatar to promote livelihood opportunities along the Ganga basin by promoting Arth Ganga initiative through tourism, marketing of local products, both agriculture and handicrafts.
New course ‘River Champ’ on CLAP:
The continuous learning and activity portal (CLAP) is an online platform for raising awareness, actions and debates around river conservation in India.
