Press Releases 2004

Community Involvement Can Save River Ganga, Says U.S. Envoy

August 27, 2004

NEW DELHI - India's civil society has to come forward to save the river Ganga, and in this regard it can learn from America's struggle with similar environmental problems, the U.S. Embassy's Deputy Chief of Mission Robert O. Blake said here today.

Addressing participants on Clean Ganga Day, organized by Varanasi's Sankat Mochan Foundation, Mr. Blake said that the Ganga was to India what the Mississippi is to America - an integral part of its culture, tradition and heritage. "About 20 percent of Delhi's water supply is met by the Ganga. The Yamuna, which flows through the capital, is one of the Ganga's major tributaries. The health of these rivers is of paramount importance to the citizens of India," he said.

Pointing out examples of U.S. civil society's involvement in saving the river Hudson, Mr. Blake said, "Balancing the needs of a vibrant economy with a deep desire to protect natural resources is a delicate matter-and one that begs for community involvement."

Mr. Blake gave the example of Riverkeeper, an American voluntary organization, that relies on a network of local fishermen, environmental experts, environmental groups, community volunteers and the legal system to monitor the health of the Hudson, with the result that the state of the river has improved considerably. The organization is a strong example of how people from different walks of life can work as partners with government to preserve natural resources, he said.

On America's support toward saving the Ganga, Mr. Blake stated: "The American people are proud to support your ongoing work to protect this beautiful waterway." Mr. Blake commended the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which has been associated with this effort since 1992. He said that USAID's U.S. Asia Environmental Partnership (USAEP) program has played a significant role in helping organize public awareness workshops and seminars across the Ganga belt.

Beginning in 2002, USAEP has supported The Sankat Mochan Foundation in mobilizing local communities to support the Campaign for a Clean Ganga. The program has drawn attention to the plight of the river, and draws upon the resources and talent of numerous volunteers in India, Europe, and the United States.