G. Asok Kumar, the former Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), has been appointed as an advisor to the Delhi government. Kumar, a retired 1991-batch IAS officer from the Telangana cadre, will lend his expertise to the city's ambitious sanitation and infrastructure development projects. The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi formally approved his appointment as a Consultant in the Public Works Department (PWD). His term will initially be for one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and the needs of the department.
Kumar's appointment is viewed as a strategic move to strengthen project execution, promote sustainable urban design, and enhance the city's water management systems. Officials in the Delhi administration have stated that Kumar's extensive experience with large-scale Central Government missions is expected to bolster the department's capacity in planning and implementing development projects across the capital. A senior government official noted that Kumar's experience will help bring long-term institutional reforms and improve coordination between agencies in Delhi's infrastructure planning.
Kumar is widely recognized as one of India's most respected administrators in the field of water and infrastructure management. He is best known for leading national flagship missions such as Namami Gange and the Catch the Rain campaign. During his tenure at NMCG, Kumar's leadership transformed the Namami Gange initiative into one of the world's most acclaimed river restoration programs, earning UN recognition in 2022 as one of the Top 10 Global Eco-Restoration Flagships.
Often referred to as the 'Rain Man of India', Kumar conceptualized and launched the Catch the Rain campaign under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan. The initiative, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Water Day in 2021, became a national movement for rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge. The campaign inspired states, districts, and local bodies to adopt sustainable water practices, while also mobilizing citizens to take ownership of water conservation at the community level.
Spanning more than 33 years of service, Kumar's career cuts across multiple sectors, including civil aviation, power, infrastructure, education, and sanitation. He was instrumental in establishing the Ganga River Basin Management Cell, the River Cities Alliance, and Jal Shakti Kendras to strengthen water governance. He also created District Ganga Committees and the PRAYAG platform for real-time monitoring of river rejuvenation efforts. In Hyderabad, he led major infrastructure initiatives, including the Outer Ring Road, Krishna Phase-II, and Godavari Water Supply Projects. As a policy innovator, he founded the India Smart Grid Forum under the Ministry of Power. He played a crucial role in setting up the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau during his tenure in the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Kumar's work has earned him numerous honors, including the Telangana Excellence Award (2018), the Governor's Award for Excellence (2023), and the Jal Mitra Award (2002). In a rare tribute, a lake and a village — Asok Sagar and Asok Nagar — were named after him in recognition of his public service. As Delhi navigates the challenges of urban expansion, infrastructure modernization, and water scarcity, the inclusion of an officer of Asok Kumar's caliber in the PWD marks a strategic step toward cleaner, more sustainable development. His deep understanding of integrated water resource management and public infrastructure planning is expected to strengthen the capital's vision for resilient, eco-friendly growth, embodying the spirit of a "Water-Secure and Sustainable Delhi".
