Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil reviewed the government’s flagship Jalaj initiative on Wednesday, underlining its dual focus on river conservation and sustainable livelihoods across the Ganga basin and beyond.

The minister, who chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi, praised the Wildlife Institute of India-led project for its innovative community-based models and emphasized scaling up successful practices to other river basins, including the Godavari, Periyar, Pampa and Barak.

“Jalaj is not just about conserving our rivers, it’s about creating economic opportunities and connecting people back to these vital ecosystems,” Patil said.

Launched under the National Mission for Clean Ganga and aligned with the Centre’s Arth Ganga vision, Jalaj seeks to harmonize ecological restoration with grassroots development.

The initiative has empowered over 5,000 boat community members and supported more than 2,400 women across 42 districts in nine states through eco-tourism, skill training and artisanal enterprises.

According to the ministry, Jalaj has established diverse models including dolphin safaris, homestays, livelihood centers and awareness outlets.

Under the initiative, 263 training programs and mass outreach campaigns across digital and traditional media platforms have been conducted.

Digital Expansion and Cultural Revival Highlight Jalaj’s Broader Impact

To bolster public engagement, Patil also unveiled a dedicated Jalaj website and product catalogue profiling eco-friendly goods, ranging from stationery to skincare, crafted by local communities known as Ganga Praharis.

The online portal aims to educate the public on India’s aquatic biodiversity and promote river-based livelihoods.

A special cultural feature, Saanskritik Lehren, was released during the review. It highlights the Ganga’s socio-cultural significance and its role in sustaining millions of lives across the subcontinent.

The initiative has received national recognition, with both President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi endorsing Jalaj’s integrated approach to conservation and development.

Officials said the program is set to expand with plans to establish 75 Jalaj centers nationwide, reinforcing the model as a key driver in India’s river rejuvenation strategy.

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