The International Day of Action for Rivers which was formerly known as “International Day against Dams, for Rivers, Water, and Life” is annually observed across the globe on 14th March to create awareness about the importance of rivers.
14th March 2021 marks the 24th edition of the International Day of Action for Rivers.
The theme of International Day of Action for Rivers 2021 is “Rights of Rivers”.
Objective:
- To unite people across borders to discuss the issues on river management, river pollution, river conservation at the global level.
- To ensure that people are sensitised about the ecologically fragile watershed areas.
Background:
i.International Rivers, an ecological organisation located in Oakland, California, USA has initiated the celebration of International Day of Action for Rivers.
ii.The idea of the International Day of Action for Rivers was inspired and mandated at the First International Meeting of People Affected by Dams that took place in March 1997 in Curitiba, Brazil.
iii.The river experts from around 20 countries decided to observe the 14th March of every year as the Day of Action for Rivers.
India’s action for Rivers:
The Jal Shakti ministry, Government of India has focused on the revival and conservation of the wetlands in the river basins and has been tackling the increasing levels of river pollutants.
National Mission for Clean Ganga:
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, is a society registered on 12th August 2011 under the Societies Registration Act 1860.
It acted as the implementation arm of the National Ganga River Basin Authority(NGRBA).
Objectives of NMCG:
- To ensure effective abatement of pollution and rejuvenation of the river Ganga by adopting a river basin approach to promote inter-sectoral co-ordination for comprehensive planning and management.
- To maintain minimum ecological flows in the river Ganga with the aim of ensuring water quality and environmentally sustainable development.
Ministry of Jal Shakti:
Union Minister– Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Minister of State– Rattan Lal Kataria
