By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: To promote eco-tourism on the banks of the Ganga, conserve the environment and biodiversity, and increase sustainable development and livelihood opportunities, a meeting was held with officials from various departments. It was decided that water sports will soon be introduced in the Ganga River.
Additionally, the riverbanks will be developed as a tourist destination with the construction of gyms, yoga centers, food courts, and parks. The officials of the tourism department have been directed by DM cum District Ganga Committee Chairman Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh to draft a plan for this initiative.
On Thursday, Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh reviewed the schemes related to the Ganga in the District Ganga Committee meeting at his office. Officials from departments including tourism, fisheries, Jeevika, agriculture, and forestry attended the meeting. The DM directed the departments and stakeholders to commit to the upliftment and conservation of the Ganga and its tributary rivers. The meeting also emphasized the need to implement the ‘Arth Ganga Programme’ under the Namami Gange programme.
The DM stressed the importance of encouraging eco-tourism along the Ganga. For this, officials from all departments need to work in coordination. Efforts must be made to support individual livelihoods and sustainable development. Instructions were given to fulfill responsibilities under the five pillars of the District Ganga Committee: Nirmal Ganga, Aviral Ganga, Jan Ganga, Gyan Ganga, and Arth Ganga.
All sewage treatment plants under construction by BUDCO have been instructed to be completed soon. The Bihar State Pollution Control Board is required to periodically send data on improvements in the Ganga river’s water quality. The Forest Department has been instructed to enhance wetland conservation, afforestation, and biodiversity conservation.
Under the Jan Ganga programme, awareness activities such as Prabhat Pheri, rallies, Ganga marathons, Ganga quizzes, wall writing, slogan competitions, and the “Catch the Rain” initiative will be organized. Additionally, regular Ganga Aarti events will be held to engage the community.
