Background

The Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India through the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) entrusted the Wildlife Institute of India, (WII) a project entitled “Biodiversity Conservation and Ganga Rejuvenation” for developing a science-based aquatic species restoration plan for Ganga River by involving multiple stakeholders. As a part of this project the WII developed a trained cadre of volunteers from the local community, known as Ganga Praharis. These Ganga Praharis are working for biodiversity conservation and Ganga rejuvenation. Livelihood and skill enhancement activities carried out through the project aligned Ganga conservation through livelihood centres and innovative mobile livelihood centre “Jalaj”. The business model created thus, was recognised and replicated by district as well as state administrations all over the Ganga river states. Considering the significance of the tributaries of the Ganga River as habitat for the aquatic species and the need to involve the local communities all along the Ganga basin, the NMCG granted WII a second phase of the project. The second phase of the project “Planning and management for aquatic species conservation and maintenance of ecosystem services of the Ganga basin for a clean Ganga” is being carried out all over the Ganga basin, since 2020. The project is replicating and upscaling the conservation efforts in the entire Ganga basin. Linking local livelihoods with the conservation initiative, through trainings and establishment of livelihood centres, was one the primary goals of the project, it was realized that these initiatives can be taken up as model for Arth Ganga programme. Thus, the proposed project aims to realize Arth Ganga in the Ganga River basin by linking local livelihoods with aquatic conservation, through Jalaj – a model for symbiotic linkages between river and people. 

Jalaj is a concept to establish symbiotic linkages between river and people. Jalajs are also visualized as models for livelihood diversification, through promotion of local produce, and are aimed as models for strengthening women participation in ecological and economic spheres. Communities thus empowered, will be resilient and will make informed decisions related to natural resources. The Jalaj models are also envisioned as tools to achieve SDGs, and would act as model for nature-based solutions for addressing climate change and provide human well-being and biodiversity benefits by protecting, sustainably managing and restoring ecosystems.

Aim

The proposed project aims to realize Arth Ganga in the Ganga River basin by linking local livelihoods with aquatic conservation, through Jalaj – a model for symbiotic linkages between the river and people.

Objectives

The aim will be achieved with two objectives

• (1) to establish 75 Jalaj for realizing Arth Ganga in Ganga River Basin by linking conservation and livelihoods,
• (2) to create societal awareness towards aquatic biodiversity conservation in Ganga River Basin.

The proposed project will engage local communities in conservation of Ganga River basin by linking local livelihoods with conservation goals. Jalaj will be developed in accordance with local skill sets, raw material, market and demands, hence will have site specific models such as knowledge corners, livelihood training and sale points, ecotourism-based safari boats, nurseries, health and wellness centres, sewing and stitching centres, local produce-based food processing units and sale points etc. The Jalaj model will have facilities for dissemination of the information on aquatic biodiversity conservation, livelihood training and sale centres for the products developed by livelihood trainees.

Jalaj is based on the circular economy model where the local people will be trained in sustainable livelihood practices and mobilized to contribute to biodiversity conservation and clean river ecosystem. Trainings will be imparted to local communities, in sustainable and green livelihood activities, for which site-specific training framework will be developed based on the need assessment analysis. The Jalaj will also act as a platform for local communities to interact and discuss that will not only contribute to their socio-economic mobility but will also promote social inclusion and gender equality. To increase the efficacy of the efforts the activities will be planned and conducted in line with the existing programmes and schemes of GoI. Jalaj are being developed in accordance with local skill sets, raw material, market and demands, hence will have site specific models such as knowledge corners, livelihood training and sale points, ecotourism-based safari boats, nurseries, health and wellness centres, sewinng and stitching centres, local produce-based food processing units and sale points etc. The project proposes to establish 75 Jalaj in Ganga River basin to commemorate 75 years of India’s independence and celebrate Government of India’s Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The project is engaging local communities in conservation of Ganga River basin by linking local livelihoods with conservation goals. The Jalaj models will have facilities for dissemination of the information on aquatic biodiversity conservation, livelihood training and sale centres for the products developed by livelihood trainees.

Recognition

The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, during his address in the 96th episode of “Mann Ki Baat” acknowledged that the greatest driving force behind the success of “Namami Gange” campaign is people’s participation, highlighting, the proactive role played by the Ganga Prahari and other volunteer groups. He further added that various efforts under the campaign have aided in improvising the biodiversity value of the Ganga River system with significant increase in number of freshwater species, including; our National Aquatic mammal the Gangetic dolphins and other aquatic species such as Hilsa fish. The Hon’ble Prime Minister also mentioned that the Jalaj Ajeevika Model have created more opportunities for alternate livelihood, which are in sync with the biodiversity conservation and Ganga rejuvenation objectives of the Namami Gange programme.