The Ministry of Tourism has launched an Incredible India Pavilion,
a digital brochure, and a dedicated tourist helpline (1800111363).
Promotions are active on social media.
A Food Zone offering Satvik and local cuisine.
• Sanskriti Angans – a marketplace for traditional handicrafts
and handlooms.
Luxury Stay:
ITDC has set up 80 luxury tents at Tent City, Prayagraj, for visitors.
Global Participation
A 118-member diplomatic delegation, including representatives
from 77 countries, took a holy dip at Triveni Sangam.
Massive Rail Network
Over 13,000 trains, including 3,000 special trains, are running for
the event. A ring rail connects Prayagraj with Ayodhya, Varanasi,
and Chitrakoot.
Cultural Extravaganza
The Ministry of Culture has created Kalagram, a vibrant cultural
village in Sector-7, featuring:
• A grand 635-ft entrance with Jyotirlinga depictions.
• A 104-ft stage themed on Char Dham.
• 14,632 artists performing across multiple stages.
• Anubhut Mandapam – a 360° immersive Ganga experience.
• Aviral Shashwat Kumbh – a digital display by ASI, NAI, and
Global Participation
A 118-member diplomatic delegation, including representatives
from 77 countries, took a holy dip at Triveni Sangam.
Cultural Collaboration
The Ministry of Culture and UP’s Culture & Tourism Department
are organizing performances by 15,000 artists throughout the
Mela.
Initiatives like the Incredible India Pavilion and the digital
brochure promote awareness of the Ganga’s cultural and
ecological significance, while the tourist helpline ensures
responsible travel.With luxury stays and a massive rail network,
the event’s infrastructure is designed to support high visitor
numbers in an environmentally conscious way. Kalagram, a
cultural village, and the immersive Anubhut Mandapam celebrate
the Ganga’s importance, aligning with Namami Gange’s mission to
preserve the river’s sanctity.The participation of 118 diplomats
and the performances by 15,000 artists highlight global
recognition and collaboration for sustainable cultural heritage.
Together, these efforts contribute to a greener, more sustainable
Maha Kumbh Mela that supports the objectives of the
Namami Gange Program
Reviving Environmental Consciousness Through Culture and
Knowledge at Harit Mahakumbh-2081
The connection between culture, nature, and spirituality was
emphasized at Harit Mahakumbh-2081, held at Ganganath Jha
Campus (Prayagraj), Central Sanskrit University. The event,
organized by Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas and Environment
Conservation Activity, brought together thought leaders to
discuss environmental awareness and sustainability.
Gopal Arya, National Convenor for Environment Conservation
Activity, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, highlighted how Indian
traditions link deities with their animal and bird vehicles, fostering
respect for all living beings. He stressed that while our culture
inherently promotes environmental consciousness, modern
lifestyles have distanced us from this wisdom. Events like Kumbh
and Gyan Mahakumbh serve as platforms to rekindle this
connection.
Darshak Hathi, International Director of Art of Living, underscored
the importance of understanding one’s carbon footprint and
actively reducing pollution. Shipra Pathak, the ‘Water Woman,’
beautifully interpreted Mauni Amavasya, explaining that silence
and knowledge must go hand-in-hand to prevent arrogance, while
also symbolizing the transition into spring.
Former DGP Dr. R.C. Mishra urged people to practice traditional
wisdom, such as using medicinal plants like neem, to restore
environmental balance. Prof. H.D. Charanya, former Vice
Chancellor, remarked that humanity’s reckless actions against
nature have led to severe consequences, urging immediate
corrective measures.
Chief guest Dr. Vinay Ji Sahasrabuddhe highlighted the role of
paperless systems and solar energy in driving a green revolution.
He stressed the need to integrate modern sustainability practices
while staying connected to our roots.
The Presidential Address was delivered by Dr Prashant Bhalla,
Vice Chancellor of Manav Rachna University, and Dr. Atul
Kothari, National Secretary of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, who
emphasized that this Maha Kumbh should symbolize both spiritual
and environmental renewal.
Dr. W.G. Prasanna Kumar (Telangana Pollution Control Board,
Hyderabad) pointed out that environmental degradation is a
global crisis, but India’s tradition of revering rivers as mothers
holds the key to solutions. He called for a revival of these values
not just in India, but worldwide.
Prof. R.K. Anand, Chief Operating Officer of Manav Rachna
Institute, compared the Maha Kumbh to a ‘reset’ button that
rejuvenates society and the environment, spreading harmony and
positivity across the globe. Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, he
emphasized the sacredness of knowledge, explaining that the
Gyan Maha Kumbh (10 January – 10 February) aims to uphold
this tradition of wisdom and enlightenment
Water Footprint and Mahakumbh 2025:
A Call for Sustainable Water Use
Mahakumbh 2025, the grand religious and
cultural gathering in Prayagraj, is witnessing
millions of devotees from across the world.
While the event symbolizes spiritual
purification, faith, and tradition, it also
presents a massive water footprint
challenge. The water used for rituals,
sanitation, drinking, and infrastructure
development can put immense pressure on
the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, highlighting
the need for sustainable water
management.
Understanding Water Footprint at
Mahakumbh
A water footprint measures the total
freshwater consumed, both directly and
indirectly, during an activity or event. At
Mahakumbh, this includes:
• Direct Water Use: Drinking water,
bathing in the holy rivers, sanitation, and
cooking.
Indirect Water Use: Water used
in producing food, packaging,
textiles, transportation, and event
infrastructure.
A large influx of people can strain
local water resources, especially if
groundwater extraction exceeds
natural replenishment rates.
Impact of Mahakumbh on Water
Resources
• Pressure on Rivers: Increased
demand for water can reduce
river flow, affecting aquatic
ecosystems.
• Pollution Risks: Waste disposal,
religious offerings, and human activities can
lead to contamination of the Ganga and
Yamuna.
Overuse of Groundwater: Temporary
settlements and camps often rely on
borewells, depleting local groundwater
reserves.
Reducing Water Footprint at Mahakumbh
2025
To ensure that
Mahakumbh 2025
remains spiritually
enriching and
environmentally
sustainable, waterconscious practices
must be adopted:
• Rainwater
Harvesting &
Groundwater
Recharge: Setting
up water conservation structures to
replenish the aquifers.
• Eco-Friendly Rituals: Encouraging
devotees to use organic offerings instead of
non-biodegradable materials that pollute
the rivers.
• Sustainable Sanitation & Waste
Management: Using water-efficient toilets,
bio-digesters, and greywater recycling
systems.
• Local and Seasonal Food Supply:
Minimizing the water footprint of food
production and transportation.
Mass Awareness Campaigns: Educating
pilgrims about mindful water use and the
importance of keeping rivers clean.
By integrating water conservation
measures, Mahakumbh 2025 can become a
global example of spirituality coexisting
with sustainability, preserving the sacred
rivers for generations to come
Water Handprint and Its Role in River Conservation
A water handprint represents the positive contributions we make
to conserve, restore, and sustainably use water resources. It
highlights proactive efforts such as water-saving technologies,
pollution reduction, and conservation practices that help reduce
overall water stress.
A water handprint is not just about minimizing personal water
usage but also includes community-level and policy-driven
actions that enhance water availability and quality.
Examples of Water Handprint Actions
1. Rainwater Harvesting – Capturing and storing rainwater for
reuse in homes, schools, and industries. Example: Chennai’s
rainwater harvesting program helped recharge local groundwater.
2. Wastewater Treatment and Reuse – Treating greywater for
irrigation or industrial use. Example: Bengaluru’s wastewater
recycling plants supply treated water to parks and construction
sites.
3. Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation – Using efficient irrigation
systems to minimize water wastage in farming. Example: Farmers
in Maharashtra using drip irrigation for sugarcane reduce water
use by 50%.
4. Eco-friendly Manufacturing – Industries adopting zero-liquid
discharge policies to treat and reuse water. Example: Textile
industries in Tamil Nadu implementing water recycling
technologies.
5. Afforestation and Wetland Restoration – Planting trees and
restoring wetlands to enhance natural water retention. Example:
Rejuvenation of the Kumudvathi River in Karnataka through tree
planting and check dams.
Using Water Handprint to Save Our Rivers
India’s rivers face pollution, depletion, and ecological imbalance
due to overuse and contamination. Expanding our water
handprint can help revive these rivers:
• Reducing Industrial Wastewater – Encouraging industries
along the Ganga and Yamuna to adopt advanced treatment
technologies.
• Community-Led River Rejuvenation – Projects like Revive the
Narmada Movement emphasize afforestation and conservation.
Water-Sensitive Urban Planning – Cities should integrate green
infrastructure like bio-swales and permeable pavements to
prevent water runoff into rivers.
The water handprint concept aligns with the Clean Ganga Mission
and Maha Kumbh Mela sustainability by promoting water
conservation, pollution reduction, and eco-friendly practices.
Initiatives like rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment
help preserve the Ganga’s water quality and ensure its
sustainability, especially during large-scale events like the Maha
Kumbh Mela. Expanding our water handprint can significantly
support the river’s rejuvenation and long-term health.By actively
increasing our water handprint, we can counterbalance our water
footprint, ensuring cleaner and healthier rivers for future
generations. Every drop saved and every effort made contributes
to sustaining our precious water resources
Water Footprint and Its Connection to India’s Rivers
A water footprint measures the total volume of freshwater used,
directly or indirectly, to produce goods and services consumed by
individuals, industries, or nations. It accounts for three
components:
1. Blue Water Footprint – Surface and groundwater used in
production.
2. Green Water Footprint – Rainwater absorbed by soil and used
by crops.
3.Grey Water Footprint – Freshwater required to dilute pollutants
to maintain water quality standards.
How is Water Footprint Calculated?
The Water Footprint Network (WFN) provides a standard method
to calculate water footprints, considering:
· Direct water usage (drinking, washing, cooking).
· Indirect consumption (water used for producing food, clothing,
and industrial goods).
· Regional availability of water resources.
The formula: Water Footprint=Water Consumed + Water Polluted
It is expressed in cubic meters (m³) per unit of product or per
person per year.
Water Footprint and Indian Rivers
India’s rivers are lifelines for agriculture, industry, and drinking
water, but excessive water footprints strain them. Crops like
sugarcane and rice have high water footprints, depleting rivers like
the Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari. Textile industries contribute to
grey water footprints, polluting rivers with dyes and chemicals.
Over-extraction, pollution, and inefficient water use have caused
reduced flow in rivers like the Krishna, Kaveri, and Narmada.
The water footprint is crucial to the Clean Ganga mission and the
sustainability of the Maha Kumbh Mela. Excessive water usage
from agriculture and industry strains rivers like the Ganga. The
Clean Ganga Mission targets pollution reduction and water
conservation, addressing the grey water footprint from industries.
During the Maha Kumbh Mela, managing water resources and
promoting water-efficient practices can help preserve the Ganga,
ensuring its sustainability for future generations. The mission’s
efforts align with reducing water footprints through better water
management and conservation
Kalash Campaign at Kumbh Mela 2025
The Development Consortium is organizing the Kalash Campaign
at the Kumbh Mela 2025 on February 8-9. In collaboration with
Development Alternatives and supported by the HCL Foundation,
this campaign highlights the critical connections between the
Ganga River, Good Health, and Good Education.
The campaign will launch “Meri Ganga Meri Zimmedari” with the
theme “Shiksha aur Swasthya mein Saanjhedaari!” to celebrate
collective responsibility towards preserving the Ganga and
promoting well-being through education and health.
The event will feature:
• Street Plays: Interactive performances focused on raising
awareness about protecting the Ganga, health, and education.
• Interactive Activities: Engaging activities designed to foster
community connections to the river and promote environmental
conservation.
• Awareness Sessions: Discussions on water conservation and
its vital relationship with health and education.
The campaign will take place at Arail Ghat, Naini Mela Area,
Sector 24, Prayagraj. It promises to be an enriching experience,
drawing attention to the importance of the Ganga and the shared
responsibility to protect it.
Campaign at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is deeply relevant to
the Clean Ganga Mission, highlighting the importance of
preserving the Ganga River. As millions of devotees gather for the
sacred dip, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the vital
connection between water conservation, health, and education,
reinforcing the collective responsibility to protect the Ganga and
ensure its sustainability for future generations
Ganga Task Force in Action
137 CETF Bn (TA) 39 GR, the dedicated
GangaTaskForce, conducted a Public
Awareness Campaign at Nehru Park,
Prayagraj & Gay Ghat, Varanasi. With the
message “Nadi to hai asli sona, ise
nahi ab hamko khona,” the initiative
engaged pilgrims & locals for a cleaner,
healthier Ganga.
Did you know ??
Ganga Task Force is a special unit of the territorial Army raised
under the public participation component of the Namami Gange
Program. The unit is mandated to carry out rejuvenation of
River Ganga through activities such as afforestation,
monitoring of river pollution, patrolling of ghats, public
awareness campaigns and assist civil administration during
natural calamities in the three Prayagraj, Varanasi and Kanpur.
Clean Ganga Fund (CGF): A Vision for Ganga’s Rejuvenation
The Clean Ganga Fund (CGF) was established in 2015 as a trust
under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, with the aim to collect
contributions from various stakeholders, including Resident
Indians, NRIs, corporates, and public entities, to support the
conservation and rejuvenation of the River Ganga. The fund is
administered by a Board of Trustees, appointed by the
Government of India, with the Hon’ble Finance Minister as the
chairperson and representatives from various government
departments like Water Resources and Environment.
The fund’s primary objectives include supporting projects under
the Namami Gange program, coordinating and overseeing Ganga
rejuvenation initiatives, accepting donations for conservation
efforts, and developing comprehensive plans for improving the
cleanliness and environmental health of the Ganga.
Key Activities Funded by CGF
The Clean Ganga Fund supports a wide range of activities aimed at
the river’s preservation, such as:
• Pollution Control: Tackling pollution from agriculture runoff,
human activities, and cattle.
• Waste Treatment Infrastructure: Building treatment plants in
cities along the Ganga.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Promoting community-led projects
to reduce pollution and safeguard ecosystems.
• Ghat and Crematorium Development: Improving facilities
along the river.
• Research and Development: Encouraging innovative solutions
to clean the Ganga and improve water quality.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Ensuring independent oversight
and tracking of progress.
• Additional Approvals: Any project authorized by the Board of
Trustees.
Donations to the Clean Ganga Fund can be made through various
channels including cheque/DD drawn in favor of “Clean Ganga
Fund,” electronic transfer to CGF’s account at State Bank of India
(New Delhi Main Branch), online payment via the CGF portal
(www.nmcg.nic.in), BHIM/UPI through mobile apps linked to the
fund, or via SBI ATM for SBI account holders.
The Clean Ganga Fund (CGF) plays a vital role in supporting the
Clean Ganga Mission, particularly in the context of the Maha
Kumbh Mela. With numerous projects focused on the
development of ghats, crematoria, afforestation, and the
conservation of water bodies, the CGF contributes directly to
enhancing the Ganga’s infrastructure and ecosystem. Projects like
riverfront developments and in-situ bioremediation of drains are
essential for ensuring the purity and sustainability of the river,
especially during major events like the Maha Kumbh. By funding
the restoration and cleanliness of ghats and water bodies, the CGF
helps maintain a sacred and environmentally sustainable
environment for millions of pilgrims visiting the Ganga for the holy
dip, reinforcing the mission’s goals of rejuvenating and preserving
the river.
