Arth Ganga Project: UPSC Daily Important Topic | 12 May 2023

Arth Ganga Project

‘Arth Ganga’ implies a sustainable development model with a focus on economic activities related to Ganga.

•Prime Minister of India first introduced the concept during the first National Ganga Council meeting in Kanpur in 2019, where he urged for a shift from  Namami gange to the model of Arth Ganga.

•Under Arth Ganga, the government is working on six verticals:

✓The first is Zero Budget Natural Farming, which involves chemical-free farming on 10 km on either side of the river, and the promotion of cow dung as fertilizer through the  Gobardhan scheme.

✓The Monetization and Reuse of Sludge & Wastewater is the second, which seeks to reuse treated water for irrigation, industries and revenue generation for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

✓Arth Ganga will also involve Livelihood Generation Opportunities, by creating haats where people can sell local products, medicinal plants and ayurveda.

✓The fourth is to increase public participation by increasing synergies between the stakeholders involved with the river.

✓The model also wants to promote the cultural heritage and tourism of Ganga and its surroundings, through boat tourism, adventure sports, and by conducting yoga activities.

✓Lastly, the model seeks to promote institutional building by empowering local administration for improved water governance.