The Indian government’s ambitious ‘Clean Ganga’ mission gained momentum as India and Germany signed a pact to clean the river by adopting river basin management strategies used for cleansing rivers like Rhine and Danube. ‘Namami Gange’ is the government’s flagship programme that aims at reducing pollution and conserving the river. The government has solicited support from many countries to rejuvenate Ganga.
The Ministry of Water Resources and German International Cooperation (GIZ), owned by the German Government sealed the pact to clean the river. The agreement was signed by River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation secretary Shashi Shekhar and German Ambassador to India Dr Martin Ney.
“The objective of the agreement is to enable responsible stakeholders at national and state levels to apply integrated river basin management approach for Ganga’s rejuvenation,” a statement released by the ministry said. “Initial actions will focus on Uttarakhand, with scope of expansion to other upstream Ganga States. The ultimate goal is to adopt successful river basin management strategies used for Rhine and Danube and replicate the same, wherever possible for attaining pristine status of river Ganga,” the statement added.
As per the agreement, the two sides would cooperate in the project through the “Indo-German Knowledge Exchange” and practical experience on strategic river basin management issues. Effective data management system and public engagement are also the key areas of focus, according to the agreement.
Thanking the German government for the support, Mr Shekhar said that Germany’s technical know-how will be “immensely fruitful” in pollution abatement of Ganga.
Author Profile
- India Writes Network (www.indiawrites.org) is an emerging think tank and a media-publishing company focused on international affairs & the India Story. Centre for Global India Insights is the research arm of India Writes Network. To subscribe to India and the World, write to editor@indiawrites.org. A venture of TGII Media Private Limited, a leading media, publishing and consultancy company, IWN has carved a niche for balanced and exhaustive reporting and analysis of international affairs. Eminent personalities, politicians, diplomats, authors, strategy gurus and news-makers have contributed to India Writes Network, as also “India and the World,” a magazine focused on global affairs.
Latest entries
In ConversationJuly 26, 2024India-Italy defence collaboration can extend to third countries: Anil Wadhwa- In ConversationJuly 23, 2024Italy views India as a key partner in Indo-Pacific: Vani Rao
- DiplomacyJune 29, 2024First BRICS unveils a roadmap for boosting tourism among emerging economies
- India and the WorldJune 11, 2024On Day 1, Jaishankar focuses on resolving standoff with China
