India’s Deep Understanding of Hydrology is Embedded in the Story of Ganga Dussehra

Udaipur | Ganga Dussehra is not merely a festival of religious faith, but also carries a profound cultural message of nature conservation and water science. The occasion serves as a pledge to protect rivers, forests, mountains, lakes, ponds, and stepwells, while promoting the cleanliness and preservation of water bodies.

These views were expressed during a river dialogue organized on the eve of Ganga Dussehra.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Anil Mehta, Principal of Vidya Bhawan Polytechnic, said that Ganga Dussehra is a unique festival in Indian culture where faith, nature, and science blend beautifully. Rivers are not just streams of water; they are integrated ecological, social, spiritual, and scientific systems connected to forests, mountains, rainfall, soil, and human civilization. If mountains and forests are destroyed, rivers narrowed, and pollution increases, human life itself will face a severe crisis.

Traditionally, it is believed that on this day Mother Ganga descended from heaven to earth. Her immense and forceful flow was impossible to control, so Lord Shiva held her in his matted locks to regulate her speed before gradually releasing her onto the earth. Scientifically interpreted, this legend reflects India’s ancient and profound understanding of hydrology. Shiva’s locks symbolize mountains, dense forests, tree roots, rocks, and the mountain ecosystem. The idea of “Ganga being absorbed into Shiva’s locks” represents nature’s way of balancing and regulating the flow and force of rivers.

In this context, Udaipur holds special significance. The Ayd River is considered an important part of the Ganga basin and is regarded as the “fifth pillar” of the Ganga. Dr. Mehta stated that as Himalayan glaciers continue to shrink, the flow of the Ganga will increasingly come under threat. In such a situation, rivers like the Ayd will play a crucial role in sustaining the Ganga. Restoring rivers, including the Ayd, to their original form would be a true service to Mother Ganga and would give meaningful direction to the “Vande Ganga Water Conservation Campaign.”

Former member of the Lake Development Authority, Tej Shankar Paliwal, said that Ganga Dussehra reminds us that just as the Ganga is the lifeline of Indian civilization, the Ayd River and Udaipur’s lake system are the soul of the city. The Ayd is not merely a drain or drainage channel, but Udaipur’s cultural identity and its “local Ganga.” Society, administration, and citizens must together make “Bhagirath-like efforts” to preserve the cleanliness, sanctity, and original character of the river and lakes.

Social thinker Nand Kishore Sharma stated that Udaipur’s development has become centered around real estate and entertainment-driven tourism, whereas it should instead focus on water-centric development. The ghats of the Ayd and Udaipur’s lakes should become centers of prayer, spirituality, faith, and environmental awareness, rather than merely places of leisure and pleasure. If society fails to change its attitude toward rivers, lakes, and water sources in time, serious environmental consequences will follow.

Young environmentalist Kushal Rawal said that Udaipur is truly a “River City.” The city is part of the National River Cities Alliance, which promotes river- and water-centered urban development. He emphasized that on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra, the youth must understand the scientific wisdom hidden within ancient myths and actively participate in the conservation of lakes, ponds, and rivers.

Drupad Singh and Vinod Kumawat also emphasized that citizens must come forward to restore the Ayd River to its original form on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra.