image credits: Aditya Roy
On March 22, 2025, coinciding with World Water Day, the people of Bhubaneswar demonstrated their unwavering commitment to their city’s legacy. Undeterred by the Nor’wester rain, a group of dedicated citizens, led by the youth, participated in the ‘Save Gangua Walk’ in Samantarapur. Organized by Odisha Manaska, an initiative of All Things Odisha, this event brought together locals, experts, and enthusiasts to spotlight the urgent need to restore the historic Gangua River. Once revered as Gandhavati, this ancient waterway has been reduced to a polluted drain, a stark contrast to its glorious past as a lifeline of Odisha’s capital.
Tracing Gangua’s Path in Bhubaneswar
The Gangua River flows through the heart of Bhubaneswar, originating near the Daya River and winding its way past significant landmarks before merging into the broader drainage system. The walk began at Gangua Bridge, followed the river’s right embankment, and concluded at the sacred Baruneswar Temple. Along this route, participants paused at heritage sites like Brahmeswar and Gokarneswar temples, reflecting on the river’s deep ties to the city’s cultural fabric.
The Historical Significance of Gangua
Gangua is far more than a water body; it is a testament to Odisha’s rich history. Historians trace its origins to an older branch of the Daya River, suggesting it nourished early settlements as far back as the 4th century BCE. Archaeological findings along its banks point to its use for irrigation, drinking water, and religious ceremonies during the Kalingan civilization. Ancient texts and temple inscriptions frequently mention Gangua, highlighting its role in supporting iconic temples such as Mukteswar, Lingaraj, and Rajarani. Over time, it witnessed the rise and fall of empires, standing as a silent witness to Bhubaneswar’s evolution into a modern metropolis.
A Movement Gaining Momentum through ‘Save Gangua’
The ‘Save Gangua Walk’ was a symbolic & powerful statement of intent. Participants engaged in poetry recitals, art performances, and discussions with experts. The event emphasized the need to reclaim Gangua’s identity as a river of heritage rather than a sewage channel. Voices grew louder for government-led rejuvenation efforts, with calls for a future symposium to explore the river’s past, present, and potential. Civil society groups like Mahanadi Bachao Andolan, Aanchalika Bikash Committee, Save Gangua, The Drops, and KAPOK joined hands, amplifying the resolve to act.
The event saw participation from notable figures such as Sudarshan Das, Sangram Paikaray, Prasanna Bishoyi, Sachikanta Pradhan, Pradeep Tarai, actor Partha Sarathi Ray, Sonali Priyadarsini, Ritu Pattanaik, Bhawani, and Rupa. Yet, it was the youth and residents who truly drove the narrative, sharing personal memories of cleaner waters and expressing dismay at Gangua’s current state.
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Importance of the Save Gangua Initiative
In its prime, Gangua was a source of sustenance and pride. Residents recall a time when its waters were pristine, serving daily needs and fostering biodiversity along its banks. The river supported agriculture, provided fish for communities, and maintained ecological balance in the region. Its proximity to Bhubaneswar’s temples also made it a vital part of religious rituals, enhancing the spiritual life of the city. Today, however, unchecked urbanization, encroachments, and industrial waste have transformed this once-vital resource into one of Odisha’s most polluted water bodies, stripping it of these invaluable benefits.
A Vision for Revival of the Gangua
The walk concluded with a collective resolution to pursue concrete steps for Gangua’s restoration. A rejuvenated Gangua could once again support local ecosystems, enhance Bhubaneswar’s beauty, and serve as a living link to Odisha’s storied past.
In the heart of Bhubaneswar, the Gangua River waits patiently for its revival. The voices of Odisha’s people, united in purpose, ensure that its story is far from over.
