The Delhi Government has made a significant move in its environmental governance by appointing G Asok Kumar, the former Director General of Namami Gange, as a key advisor. The seasoned 1991 batch IAS officer will provide crucial guidance on implementing Delhi's ambitious sanitation master plan, studying urban flooding patterns, and driving the clean Yamuna initiative forward.
Distinguished Career and Expertise
G Asok Kumar brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having retired last year as the Director General of Namami Gange and Special Secretary. His extensive background includes serving as Joint Secretary in the Aviation Ministry, demonstrating his versatile administrative capabilities across different sectors.
Kumar is particularly renowned for his instrumental role in the Centre's "Catch the Rain Initiative", a flagship campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Water Day, March 22, 2021. This initiative, part of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, has been crucial in promoting water conservation across the nation.
Key Focus Areas for Delhi's Development
In his new capacity, Kumar will primarily advise the Public Works Department (PWD) on several critical fronts. "I will be advising PWD on some areas like tackling urban flooding; the sewerage master plan and Yamuna cleanup," Kumar confirmed, outlining his immediate priorities.
His approach to environmental projects emphasizes sustainability and public participation. During his tenure at the National Mission for Clean Ganga, Kumar focused on transforming the Namami Gange programme into a people's movement, ensuring long-term viability through community engagement.
Expanding Environmental Initiatives
One of Kumar's notable achievements includes the significant expansion of the River Cities Alliance (RCA). Under his leadership, the organization grew from initially comprising 20 cities along the Ganga basin to encompassing over 142 cities situated on the banks of various Indian rivers.
This extensive network-building experience positions him ideally to address Delhi's complex water management challenges, particularly the perennial issues of urban flooding and river pollution that have plagued the capital city for decades.
The appointment comes at a crucial time when Delhi faces increasing environmental pressures, and Kumar's proven track record in large-scale water conservation projects makes him uniquely qualified to contribute to sustainable solutions for the city's sanitation and flooding concerns.
