Returning to Public Service Ex-Namami Gange Chief to Guide Capital’s Water and Infrastructure Reforms
The Government of Delhi has brought on board G. Asok Kumar, one of India’s most celebrated water conservation and infrastructure experts, as a Consultant in the Public Works Department (PWD). A 1991-batch IAS officer of the Telangana cadre, Kumar’s appointment was formally approved by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi for an initial term of one year, extendable based on performance and institutional needs.
This engagement marks the return of a decorated civil servant whose pioneering work in water resource management and infrastructure development earned him the title of “Rain Man of India.”
A Strategic Appointment for Delhi’s Urban Renewal
Officials in the Delhi administration said that Asok Kumar’s appointment underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening project execution, promoting sustainable urban design, and enhancing the city’s water management systems.
A veteran administrator, Kumar earlier served as Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), where he played a pivotal role in transforming the Namami Gange program into a globally recognized model for river rejuvenation. Under his stewardship, the mission was honored by the United Nations in 2022 as one of the Top 10 Global Eco-Restoration Flagship Programs.
The Visionary Behind ‘Catch the Rain’
Revered across policy circles as the ‘Rain Man of India’, Asok Kumar is the architect of the Catch the Rain campaign — a flagship component of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Water Day, March 22.
The initiative galvanized grassroots participation in rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, inspiring state and district administrations nationwide to adopt community-led conservation models. The campaign’s motto — “Catch the rain, where it falls, when it falls” — became a rallying call for India’s collective water security movement.
A Distinguished Career in Governance and Innovation
Spanning more than 33 years of service, Asok Kumar’s career cuts across multiple sectors, including civil aviation, power, infrastructure, education, and sanitation. His tenure is marked by a series of landmark institutional reforms and infrastructure achievements, such as:
Setting up the Ganga River Basin Management Cell, River Cities Alliance, and Jal Shakti Kendras across India.
Launching the District Ganga Committees and the PRAYAG real-time monitoring platform for river rejuvenation.
Leading major water supply and transport projects in Hyderabad — including the Outer Ring Road, Krishna Phase-II, and Godavari Water Supply Projects.
Founding the India Smart Grid Forum under the Ministry of Power.
Establishing the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau during his tenure as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Honors and Recognitions
Throughout his career, Kumar’s outstanding contributions have earned him several national and state honors, including:
Telangana Excellence (TEX) Award (2018) for Public Administration.
Governor’s Award for Excellence (2023) for distinguished service.
Jal Mitra Award (2002) from the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
SKOCH Award for Public Service.
In a rare tribute, a 190-acre lake in Telangana — Asok Sagar, and a village in Andhra Pradesh — Asok Nagar, have been named after him, recognizing his role in sustainable development and water conservation.
Academic Engagements and Advisory Roles
Post-retirement, Kumar has remained actively involved in policy research and education. He serves as:
Visiting Professor of Practice at IIT Kanpur
Senior Faculty at the Centre for Policy Research (CPR), New Delhi
Guest Lecturer at IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Raipur, and IIT Roorkee
He also serves on the Board of Directors of Kannur International Airport Limited and advises institutions working in digital governance, public policy, and environmental sustainability.
Previous Roles: DG, NMCG; Director, Ministry of Power; Joint Secretary, Civil Aviation; Project Director, National River Conservation Directorate
A Timely Appointment for a Growing Capital
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.”
