Prayagraj: Prayagraj, located at the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna, is not only a center of religious faith, but the cleanliness of the rivers here is also an integral part of Indian Sanatan Dharma. To maintain the sanctity of this religious place, the Yogi government has appointed 500 ‘Ganga Praharis’, who will ensure the cleanliness of the rivers and ghats. When millions of devotees will take bath here during Maha Kumbh 2025, the contribution of these Ganga Praharis will become even more important.
Ganga Praharis deployed on the ghats
There are about 25 ghats in Prayagraj, on each of which 15 to 20 Ganga Praharis will be deployed. These Ganga Praharis will not only maintain the cleanliness of the rivers, but will also make the devotees aware to maintain cleanliness. During the Maha Kumbh, these Ganga Praharis have been trained to work in shifts, so that cleanliness can be maintained among the large number of devotees coming.
Conservation of rivers and aquatic life
The work of Ganga Praharis under the Namami Gange project is not limited to cleanliness, but they are also actively working for the conservation of aquatic life of the river. Chandra Kumar Nishad, Assistant Coordinator of Jalaj Yojana, said that his team is continuously carrying out cleanliness drives on the ghats and trying to remove waste materials found in the river. Devotees are appealed not to throw garbage, flowers or other waste in the river.
Local people made protectors of rivers
The local community has an important role in ensuring the cleanliness of Ganga and Yamuna. Till now, people whose main source of income was hunting aquatic animals have now become protectors of the river. Due to this change, the number of turtles, dolphins and fish in the river has increased. Ganga Praharis are motivating local people towards environmental conservation through their work.
Employment opportunities by the government
The Yogi government has provided other employment opportunities to the local people by protecting them from hunting aquatic animals. Under this, women are being given free training in sewing, beauty parlor, incense sticks and making jute bags. So far, more than 700 women have been given employment. Men have also been trained in other works like diving.
Responsibility of Ganga Praharis in Maha Kumbh
Chandra Kumar Nishad said that during the Maha Kumbh, Ganga Praharis will not only take care of the cleanliness of the rivers, but will also help the devotees. They will ensure security on the ghats and will be ready to help in any emergency. Apart from this, the task of taking lost devotees to the lost and found center will also be the responsibility of Ganga Praharis. This dedication of Ganga Praharis towards the cleanliness of Ganga and Yamuna is not only important from the religious point of view, but their role has also become important in environmental protection.
