Ganga Utsav 2025 – A Nationwide Grand Celebration of Devotion, Faith, and Collective Resolve
New Delhi 07 November :- The 9th edition of Ganga Utsav was celebrated by National Mission for Clean Ganga under the aegis of Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation with focus on partnership. A series of events were organized in collaboration with various partners with focus on knowledge, research and people’s participation devoted to the cause of river rejuvenation. It has included events like an international conference to address the emerging issues, a riverathon to ideate with young minds and a grassroot event to strengthen the river people connect. The grassroot main event was celebrated with great joy, devotion, and collective responsibility at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya, bringing together officials, students, and stakeholders to highlight ongoing efforts toward Ganga conservation.
Organized in honour of the life-giving Maa Ganga, the event witnessed the presence of V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti, as the chief guest, alongwith senior officials of NMCG, the District Ganga Committee, representatives from Ayodhya, students, and members of the public, whose enthusiastic participation made the celebration memorable.
The programme began with the offering of sacred Jal Kalash—symbolising gratitude and a collective prayer to Maa Ganga—followed by cultural segments, youth participation, and short film screenings showcasing Ayodhya’s rejuvenation efforts, reinforcing the belief that the Ganga is not merely a river but the nation’s lifeline and cultural soul.
V.L. Kantha Rao delivered the keynote address, emphasizing that one-third of the Ministry’s work is dedicated solely to River Ganga. He highlighted that the Ganga basin spans 11 states, nearly 100 major cities and 150 districts, supporting almost half of India’s population and economy. He noted that more than 10,000 rivers are connected to the Ganga system, underscoring its immense ecological significance. He also reiterated the importance of the National Mission for Clean Ganga—one of the Government of India’s major flagship programmes directly reviewed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Commending Ayodhya as a model city for effective sewage and drain management, V.L. Kantha Rao stressed the need for strong inter-departmental coordination and active community participation through groups such as Ganga Praharis to ensure all drains entering the river are treated. The event also included cultural programs by local artists focusing on river rejuvenation and interaction of senior officers with Ganga Praharis, fish ranching and a detailed presentation on Urban River Management Plan for Ayodhya. The event also showcased the work done by Ayodhya administration for rejuvenation of small rivers.