A conference to discuss the plan of proposing the Upper Ganga region as a UNESCO World Heritage Site was held at Parmarth Niketan, and to create definite action items to move this idea forward.
On the 20th, eminent spiritual and social leaders gathered at Parmarth to bless the conference, including Maulana Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasiji, President of the All India Organization of Imams of Mosques, and renowned environmental activist Shri Sundarlal Bahugunaji.
The meeting began with the blessings of Pujya Swamiji and Pujya Sant Balbir Singh Seechewalji. Many eminent experts also attended the meeting, including Sri Atulkumar Bhargavaji, Dr. AN Shuklaji, Dr. DS Bhargavaji, Dr. Anil Guptaji, Dr. VC Tiwariji, Dr. PS Negiji, Sri RK Acharyaji, Shri Raj Deo Singh Chandellaji and Dr. Pankaj Jainji, as well as many Ganga Action sevaks.
Reasons were discussed as to why this region should be declared a World Heritage Site, such as the need to preserve and protect the aastha – or faith – Indians have in their Mother Ganga. Every day, Ganga is celebrated and Ganga Aarti is sung on Her banks, and millions of people from around the world have come to Her banks every year for millennia to seek peace, solace, and connection with the Divine. In addition, there is a need to protect the irreplaceable biodiversity of the region and the Himalayas, which are unparalleled throughout the world, and the unique qualities of Gangajal (the waters of Ganga), which have the extraordinary ability to self-heal.
Shri Atul Bhargavaji gave a presentation on the process of nomination to UNESCO, inclding Ganga to be nominated for the tentative list of sites up for declaration within India. Asking about the advantages and disadvantages of declaring this region as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was clarified that only sustainable activities would be able to happen at the site once it is declared. Members discussed at length the various criteria which Ganga could be nominated under and created an action plan to move the process forward.
The meeting was very successful and productive, and Ganga Action thanks the committee members for their pledge, goodwill, and whole-hearted support of Mother Ganga as new members of Ganga Action.
