Namami Gange: DG, NMCG Presents Transformational Impact to World Bank EDs in Agra Assessment Meeting

A significant meeting convened on August 5, 2023, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, marked a pivotal chapter in the World Bank’s endeavor to comprehend the profound influence of its projects in India. The Executive Directors of the World Bank, hailing from various corners of the globe, convened to delve into the remarkable strides achieved through the Bank’s initiatives. Amid this discourse, the Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Mr. G. Asok Kumar, delivered an illuminating presentation on the Namami Gange project, underscoring its impact and vision.

The august assembly included the esteemed presence of Mr. Auguste Kouame, Country Director, World Bank, India, alongside nine distinguished Executive Directors: Mr. Jack Kurski (Poland), Mr. Khalid Bawazier (Saudi Arabia), Ms. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed (Nigeria), Mr. Junhong Chang (China), Mr. Erivaldo Gomes (Brazil), Mr. Ernesto Acevedo (Mexico), Ms. Cecilia Nohan (Argentina), and Mr. Robin Tasker (United Kingdom). Notably, Shri Bhaskar Dasgupta, ED, Finance, NMCG, and Shri D.P. Mathuria, ED, Technical, NMCG, lent their expertise to the discourse.

A confluence of minds occurred against the backdrop of the iconic Taj Mahal, underscoring the significance of the gathering. Discussions reverberated with profound insights into river rejuvenation and the World Bank’s pivotal role in this transformative journey. The Executive Directors commended India’s remarkable strides in the water sector, bolstered by transformative reforms and private sector involvement, particularly through the Namami Gange Mission. The platform stood as a testament to India’s commitment to securing a water-resilient future, leaving a lasting impression on the global stage.

The discussions further unveiled the pivotal role played by NMCG in fostering public participation as an integral element of the Namami Gange project. The collaboration extended its embrace to a diverse spectrum of stakeholders, including educational institutions, social organizations, and civil society, transcending geographical boundaries and resonating as a beacon of river rejuvenation worldwide. The World Bank executives acknowledged the sagacity of this approach and the project’s multifaceted initiatives, including the innovative Hybrid Annuity Model, the Arth Ganga initiative, and the One City One Operator Model.

Mr. G. Asok Kumar eloquently unveiled the Namami Gange Programme to the dignitaries, tracing its evolution and highlighting its comprehensive approach. The presentation encapsulated the five fundamental pillars of Namami Gange: Nirmal Ganga (unpolluted river), Aviral Ganga (unrestricted flow), Jan Ganga (People’s Participation), Gyan Ganga (knowledge and research-based interventions), and Arth Ganga (people-river connect through the bridge of economy). Notably, he emphasized that NMCG has made significant strides towards restoring Ganga’s ecosystem, with improved water quality reflected in the thriving aquatic life, including Gangetic Dolphins and local fishes.

The meeting culminated in a collective appreciation of Namami Gange’s global recognition, with its selection as one of the world’s top ten restoration flagships. Its accolades extended to being awarded during the UN Conference on Biological Diversity (COP15) in Montreal, Canada, in December 2022, and participation in the United Nations World Water Conference in New York in March 2023.

The meeting epitomized a convergence of visionary minds, laying the groundwork for continued collaboration in fostering sustainable and holistic river management. The transformational journey of Namami Gange resonated as an embodiment of India’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable progress.