Media Release
Udupi, Aug 8: The central government's visionary endeavor, the 'Namami Ganga' project, has emerged as one of the most significant initiatives on a global scale. The project, aimed at revitalizing the revered river Ganga, has garnered considerable acclaim and support, with an allocation exceeding 20,000 crores of rupees from the central government.
Speaking at a programme convened at the Manipal Centre for Natural Science, MAHE, Manipal, Ashok Kumar, IAS, director general of the National Mission for Clean Ganga, elucidated the project's overarching vision, encapsulated in the five pillars of Aviraladhara Ganga, Nirmaladhara Ganga, Gnana Ganga, Jana Ganga, and Arthaganga, all anchored in the tenets of environmental protection. He outlined how over the course of the past nine years, this exciting undertaking has overseen the implementation of more than 450 distinct initiatives dedicated to the restoration of the Ganga and also inspired a multitude of new initiatives. Namami Gange further covers protection and rejuvenation of local water bodies and rivers. He expressed happiness for the afforestation drive initiated by MAHE for the protection of Swarna river watershed area.
This programme to create awareness to children through teachers on ‘riverrejuvenation and protection'was inaugurated by Ganapathy, Udupi District Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI), who emphasized the critical role of teachers in instilling a profound sense of water, environmental, and river conservation within the younger generation.
The programme was presided over by pro chancellor, MAHE, Dr H S Ballal, who expressed his happiness regarding the institution's initiatives in fostering environmental and water conservation efforts under the aegis of the Namami Gange programme. Dr Narayan Sabhahit, pro vice chancellor (Technical) MAHE, underscored the pressing need to safeguard river sources, especially given the context of escalating water scarcity and global temperature fluctuations.
Dr Sreekumar P, director of the Manipal Centre for Natural Science, welcomed the guests and articulated the profound significance of water conservation. Dr Somashekara Bhat, joint director, MIT Manipal, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the collective efforts and shared commitment towards water conservation.
During the event, Dr Raghavendra Holla and Dr Narayana Shenoy deliberated on the importance of Ganga and the rivers of India and generated discussion on how the revival work can be carried out. Srujan Rao and the team offered prayers. Dr Soumya S and Dr Bhagya Navada, M I T compered the programme.