Today eminent environmentalists, scientists, revered spiritual-religious leaders, dedicated members of the civil society and esteemed members of administration came together in a conference organized by Ganga Action Parivar, Parmarth Niketan, India in collaboration with Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) and the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance-India, under the flagship project entitled ‘Ganga Gyan Dhara’ an initiative of National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) to create a comprehensive database of all organizations, institutions, urban local bodies and everyone directly connected to or serving Mother Ganga all along Her stretch.

The prime objective was to bring together all stakeholder, especially from Uttarakhand, to call their inputs on pertinent issues related to the conservation and restoration of the sacred River Ganga and to work out an action and participation plan to sensitize, engage and involve local communities and mobilize the stakeholders. The event endeavoured to identify the major gaps in Ganga restoration and come up with a way forward to address these issues.

​The event was initiated, led, guided and blessed by H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan, Founder of Ganga Action Parivar and Co-Founder/Chairman of GIWA-India.  Amongst the numerous leaders, dignitaries, scientists and key institutes present in this important conference were:

• Convener of Namami Gange, National Secretary of BJP, Hon’ble Former Cabinet Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Trivendra Singh Rawatji
• Former Director of NRCD and Adviser to IIPA, Shri Paritosh Tyagiji
• Founder-President of the PEACE Institute and Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan, Shri Manoj Mishraji
• Indian Institute of Public Administration, Dr. Vinod Sharmaji
• Water Conservation Expert, Shri Sachidanand Bhartiji
• Chairman of Vrindavan, Shri Mukesh Guatum
• Chairman of Mathura
• Former Justice of National Green Tribunal, Justice Shri GK Pandeyji
• Former Executive Director of THDC, Shri Rakesh Khareji
• as well as many other NGOs and activists from Uttarakashi, Tehri Garhwal, Rudraprayag and many other districts of Uttarakhand

HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, inaugurating the conference urged participants: “Let us transform our Gyan Dhara into a Jan Dhara and Karma Dhara, share our information and knowledge with the masses and inspire them into action. Let us serve together to protect a lifeline for millions and a source of inspiration for billions. Let us work as one family, as one Ganga Parivar, as one team with one theme to serve our Mother Ganga and ensure that She flows free and pristine for this generation and many generations to come.”

Convener of Namami Gange, National Secretary of BJP, Hon’ble Former Cabinet Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Trivendra Singh Rawatji said, “Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modiji, initiative of Namami Gange has illustrated to the whole nation that cleaning and restoring the River Ganga and Her tributaries is of vital national importance. The Ganga Rejuvenation Ministry has sumbitted a detailed and comprehensive plan for cleaning the River Ganga and now its just our job to inspire everyone to get connected to this mission and do our part.”

Former Director of NRCD and Adviser to IIPA, Shri Paritosh Tyagiji, “Its great that we have declared Mother Ganga our National River but without legislation to protect the National River we will never be able to maintain and sustain its cleanliness and purity. I strongly believe that a rights based approach is crucial to protect our sacred lifeline.”

Former Justice of National Green Tribunal, Justice Shri GK Pandeyji, “There is much that is being done through the judicial systems but the need of the hour is to prevent any and all sewarage waste, whether treated or untreated from going into the river, instead this water must be recycled and reused. Additionally, 100 metres on both sides of the river must be declared a no construction zone where the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides as well as open defecation is strictly prohibited.”

Stakeholder’s dialogue from the workshop came up with recommendations and suggestions for bridging the gaps encountered on way of Ganga Rejuvenation. It will also explore strategies, pressing needs and opportunities, as well as identify potential partner institutions, organizations and individuals as well as identify their roles and responsibilities in the vital and crucial task of Ganga Rejuvenation. The workshop will be organized in the form of an interactive roundtable discussion on specific themes around the challenges, opportunities, collaboration, project possibilities and comprehensive action as well as participation plan.
During the event people from many countries and all around the nation participated in the discussions and activities and submitted their suggestions and ideas for a Clean and Free-Flowing River Ganga.