The 9th edition of Ganga Utsav 2025 was celebrated under the leadership of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation. The celebration, themed around partnership and participation, brought together institutions and communities across India to honour the life-giving river Maa Ganga.
Nationwide Celebration Promoting River Rejuvenation
The grand celebration in Ayodhya at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University was filled with devotion and enthusiasm. The event saw participation from government officials, students, and local stakeholders, reflecting a shared commitment to preserving the sacred river. Shri V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, graced the event as the chief guest, along with senior officials of NMCG, members of the District Ganga Committee, and representatives from Ayodhya.
The programme began with the symbolic offering of the sacred Jal Kalash, expressing gratitude to Maa Ganga, followed by vibrant cultural performances and film screenings highlighting the city’s rejuvenation efforts. The celebrations underscored the belief that the Ganga is not merely a river but a spiritual and cultural lifeline for the nation.
Key Highlights from the Address of Shri V. L. Kantha Rao
In his keynote address, Shri Rao emphasized that nearly one-third of the Ministry’s work focuses on the Ganga. He pointed out that the Ganga basin covers 11 states, almost 100 major cities, and 150 districts, supporting nearly half of India’s population and economy. With over 10,000 rivers connected to the Ganga system, its ecological importance is immense.
He also reiterated the government’s dedication to the National Mission for Clean Ganga, one of India’s flagship initiatives reviewed directly by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Praising Ayodhya for its effective sewage and drain management systems, he called for stronger inter-departmental coordination and people’s involvement through initiatives like Ganga Praharis to ensure every drain entering the river is treated.
Publications and Cultural Engagements
The event also saw the release of two important publications—Status of Waterbirds in the Ganga River Basin and Status of Island Nesting Report—offering vital insights into the river’s ecosystem. Local artists presented cultural programs centered on river rejuvenation, while students and Ganga Praharis engaged in interactive sessions and fish ranching activities. Ayodhya’s efforts to revive small rivers were also showcased.
Celebrations at Amity University, Noida
Amity School of Engineering and Technology, Noida, joined the nationwide festivities with a special theme, “Voices and Rhythms of River: Technical and Cultural Expressions.” Senior NMCG officers highlighted the significance of scientific approaches, data analytics, and partnerships in sustainable river management.
The event featured the release of several key resources, including Preventing Solid Waste Flow into Water: A Comprehensive Guide, The Colors of Ganga – A Children’s Art Tribute, and the LiDAR Data Release for Riverathon 1.0 participants. A cultural program titled “Rhythms of River: Cultural Expression” added a creative dimension to the celebration.
Scientific Dialogues at RHAR 2025, IIT BHU Varanasi
The RHAR 2025 Conference at IIT (BHU), Varanasi, further enriched the Ganga Utsav celebrations. Experts, researchers, and policymakers discussed emerging methods in river health assessment and sustainable rejuvenation. Shri Anup Kumar Srivastava, Executive Director (Technical), chaired a session on “Groundwater Management for Small River Rejuvenation,” highlighting the need for integrated and data-driven approaches.
He also inaugurated a book on emerging contaminants authored by the SLCR team. Alongside, an exhibition featuring photographs, models, and student innovations reflected India’s growing commitment to river conservation at the grassroots level.
A Unified Effort for River Conservation
Across Ayodhya, Noida, and Varanasi, Ganga Utsav 2025 became a unifying expression of India’s devotion to its sacred river. The celebrations concluded with meaningful stakeholder interactions and renewed commitment toward the protection, rejuvenation, and sustainable management of the Ganga.