Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, May 16: Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta today called for transforming river conservation into a nationwide people’s movement, saying protection of rivers is not only the responsibility of Governments but also a social and moral duty of every citizen.
Addressing the International Festival of Rivers (IFOR) Conclave-2026 in New Delhi, jointly organised by IFOR and the Sanatani Ganga Foundation, the Governor stressed the need for urgent action to tackle growing environmental threats and avert a future water crisis.
He said India’s rivers are deeply linked with the country’s civilisation, spirituality and cultural identity.
Gupta said rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada, Brahmaputra, Godavari and Kaveri have sustained Indian civilisation for centuries and continue to support millions of people.
Referring to Himachal Pradesh as Devbhoomi, he said the State is the origin of several major rivers, including the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab and Yamuna, which play a vital role in agriculture, energy generation, biodiversity and the economy of northern India.
The Governor expressed concern over increasing pollution, encroachment, plastic waste, climate change and unscientific development activities affecting river systems across the country. He warned that failure to act in time could have serious consequences for future generations.
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Namami Gange initiative, Gupta described it as a transformative movement driven by public participation.
He urged citizens to treat river conservation as a civic responsibility and appealed to students, universities and civil society organisations to actively promote water conservation and environmental awareness.
Calling for “River Literacy” to become a grassroots movement, the Governor also stressed the importance of technology and innovation in water conservation efforts.
He further advocated greater international cooperation, saying rivers connect nations and societies beyond borders.
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