Daily Current Affairs : 22-August-2023
World Water Week 2023 recently showcased a dynamic online session centered around the theme ‘Peer Networking for Integrated River Basin Planning and Management.’ This event put the spotlight on the Namami Gange Programme, a significant initiative in the realm of river restoration. In this essay, we will delve into the details of this program, its critical pillars, and its global recognition.
World Water Week: A Global Platform for Water Solutions
- Origins of World Water Week: World Water Week, a global event, has been consistently organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute since 1991. It offers a unique platform for experts, policymakers, and organizations to congregate and address global water challenges.
- Theme for 2023: The 2023 edition of this esteemed gathering was hosted at the Waterfront Congress Centre in Stockholm and revolved around the theme, “Seeds of Change: Innovative Solutions for a Water-Wise World.”
Namami Gange: A River Rejuvenation Triumph
- Global Recognition: The Namami Gange Programme is globally acclaimed as one of the top 10 “World Restoration Flagships.” It received this recognition during the UN Conference on Biological Diversity (COP 15), highlighting its significance on the global stage.
- The Five Pillars: The foundation of Namami Gange rests on five pivotal pillars:
- Nirmal Ganga: A quest for an unpolluted river.
- Aviral Ganga: Ensuring unrestricted river flow.
- Jan Ganga: Encouraging active people’s participation.
- Gyan Ganga: Utilizing knowledge and research-based interventions.
- Arth Ganga: Creating a bridge of economy between people and the river.
- Governance Structure: A robust five-tiered governance structure is in place, with the National Ganga Council, headed by the Prime Minister, overseeing the program’s implementation.
Key Initiatives under the Namami Gange Programme
- Namami Gange: Universities Connect: This initiative aims to raise awareness and engage the youth through a network of universities.
- The River-Cities Alliance: A dedicated platform that facilitates Indian river cities to brainstorm, deliberate, and share insights for sustainable urban river management.
The Path Forward for Namami Gange
- Local Stakeholder Engagement: The active involvement of local stakeholders is fundamental to the program’s success. Bringing districts to the forefront of the rejuvenation efforts is a priority.
- Collaboration with Experts: Collaboration with experts is essential to enrich the decision-making process and gain a holistic understanding of the river ecosystem.
- Critical Practices for Success: Three critical practices are essential for the success of river rejuvenation programs:
- Knowledge-Based Approaches: Strengthening knowledge-based approaches to inform decision-making.
- Effective Data Communication and Monitoring: Establishing robust data communication and monitoring systems.
- Strengthening Governmental Structures: Enhancing governmental structures to support the program’s objectives.
- Empowering Local Communities: Emphasizing the significance of self-motivated cadres like Ganga Praharis, who exemplify how local communities continue to champion the goals of Namami Gange.
Important Points:
World Water Week:
- Annual global event organized by Stockholm International Water Institute since 1991.
- A platform for experts, policymakers, and organizations to address global water issues.
- Theme of the 2023 edition: “Seeds of Change: Innovative Solutions for a Water-Wise World.”
Namami Gange:
- Globally acclaimed river rejuvenation program.
- Recognized as a top 10 “World Restoration Flagship” at the UN Conference on Biological Diversity (COP 15).
- Based on five pillars: Nirmal Ganga, Aviral Ganga, Jan Ganga, Gyan Ganga, and Arth Ganga.
- Governed by a five-tiered structure with the National Ganga Council headed by the Prime Minister.
Key Initiatives under Namami Gange:
- “Namami Gange: Universities Connect” for youth engagement and awareness.
- “The River-Cities Alliance” as a platform for sustainable urban river management.
Path Forward for Namami Gange:
- Emphasis on local stakeholder engagement.
- Collaboration with experts for holistic river ecosystem understanding.
- Three critical practices for success: knowledge-based approaches, effective data communication and monitoring, and strengthening governmental structures.
- Recognition of the role of self-motivated cadres like Ganga Praharis.
Why In News
During a recent online session at World Water Week 2023, the spotlight was on ‘Peer Networking for Integrated River Basin Planning and Management.’ The event featured an in-depth dialogue on the Namami Gange Programme, shedding light on its remarkable achievements and future prospects.
MCQs about Namami Gange: Restoring Rivers for a Water-Wise World
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Which of the following is NOT one of the five pillars of the Namami Gange Programme?
A. Nirmal Ganga
B. Aviral Ganga
C. Pristine Ganga
D. Arth Ganga
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Who is responsible for heading the National Ganga Council?
A. President of India
B. Prime Minister of India
C. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh
D. President of the National Ganga Clean-Up Committee
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What are the three critical practices mentioned in the essay for successful river rejuvenation programs?
A. Fundraising, Public Awareness, and Technology
B. Strengthening knowledge-based approaches, Effective data communication and monitoring, Strengthening governmental structures
C. Ecosystem Restoration, Wildlife Conservation, and Water Treatment
D. Community Engagement, Environmental Education, and Policy Implementation
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