TOI River Dialogues 2025: 'For Bharat, Ganga is not just water — she is our soul,' say experts

TOI River Dialogues 2025 kicked off on Monday in Lucknow, a thought-provoking series that brings together experts, policymakers, community leaders, and citizens for conversation on river rejuvenation and sustainable water management in Uttar Pradesh, with special emphasis on Maha Kumbh 2025 .

Through engaging panels, policymaker dialogues, and interactive sessions, the event explores global river restoration models, CSR contributions, initiatives such as Namami Gange , community-driven conservation efforts, and sustainable infrastructure.

The panel discussion titled "Reviving our rivers: The road to sustainability and the legacy of Maha Kumbh 2025" featured key experts.

Ajay Tripathi, IAS, additional director of the Urban Development Department, said, "The sustainability of the Ganga is only possible when we become mindful of our responsibilities. It's not enough to leave everything to government departments; only then can we maintain the river's purity."

Speaking on the spiritual and ecological significance of the Ganga, environmentalist Rajendra Singh said, "For Bharat, Ganga is not just water — she is our soul. Kumbh once symbolised true devotion to Maa Ganga, not just a grand event. Today, we must revive that spirit by taking tough steps by ending industrial diversion of her flow."

Dr. Raj Shekhar, IAS, project director of the State Mission for Clean Ganga, Government of Uttar Pradesh, said, Since Namami Gange began in 2014, we made Maa Ganga fit for drinking during Maha Kumbh, Gangetic dolphins in UP rose from 600 to over 2,000, and the Prayagraj stretch improved from Category 1 to Category 4 in CPCB rankings."

Speaking about the broader challenges impacting the Ganga’s health, Raman Kant, president of Bhartiya Nadi Parishad and Riverman of India, emphasised the urgent need to focus on smaller rivers and groundwater levels. He said, "Ganga’s tributaries are shrinking because the water table is falling. As a result, smaller rivers are no longer able to feed the Ganga. That’s why, along with protecting the Ganga, we must also focus on reviving our smaller rivers."

You can watch TOI River Dialogues live here.

In the opening address, Mr. Pravin Kumar, Resident Editor, Times of India, Lucknow, said, "Rivers have given birth to civilisations, but unfortunately, they now face threats from us. The course correction must come from us, and fortunately, we have arrived in time to acknowledge that the rampant abuse of rivers must stop for our own good."

Shri Brajesh Pathak, deputy chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, in his keynote address, said, "Since 2014, initiatives like Namami Gange have worked to restore maa Ganga’s purity. During the Maha Kumbh, we ensured she was fit not just for bathing, but also for achman."

The event will further feature engaging discussions, including “Leveraging public-private partnerships for clean rivers: Innovation, investment, and sustainable impact,” and a “Fireside chat – River renaissance in Uttar Pradesh: Policy, planning, and people-led solutions for sustainable waterways.”