New Delhi: The Government of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi has appointed retired IAS officer G Asok Kumar (1991 batch, Telangana cadre) as a Consultant in the Public Works Department (PWD). The engagement, formally approved by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, will be initially for one year, with a provision for extension based on performance and departmental requirements.
The appointment marks the return of one of India’s most decorated water and infrastructure administrators, widely recognized for his leadership in national missions such as Namami Gange and the Catch the Rain campaign.
Delhi PWD Gains a Proven Policy and Project Strategist
A former Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Asok Kumar brings over three decades of experience in public policy, infrastructure execution, and water resource management.
Officials said his engagement underscores the Delhi government’s intent to enhance project implementation efficiency and sustainability across urban infrastructure and water management projects.
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.
Architect of the ‘Catch the Rain’ Campaign
Often referred to as the ‘Rain Man of India’, Asok Kumar launched the Catch the Rain campaign under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan. The initiative, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Water Day (March 22), 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.
An Illustrious Career Across Sectors
Over his 33-year administrative career, Kumar has held key positions in civil aviation, power, infrastructure, education, and sanitation, leaving a legacy of institutional innovation.
Some of his notable contributions include:
- Establishing the Ganga River Basin Management Cell, River Cities Alliance, and Jal Shakti Kendras across India.
- Leading the creation of District Ganga Committees and the PRAYAG real-time monitoring platform for river rejuvenation.
- Spearheading major infrastructure projects in Hyderabad, such as the Outer Ring Road, Krishna Phase-II and Godavari Water Supply Projects.
- Founding India Smart Grid Forum during his tenure at the Ministry of Power.
- Playing a pivotal role in setting up India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau while serving as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Awards and Recognition
Asok Kumar’s distinguished service has been recognized through numerous national and state-level awards, including: –
- Telangana Excellence (TEX) Award (2018) for outstanding public administration.
- Governor’s Award for Excellence (2023) for contributions to public service.
- Jal Mitra Award (2002) from the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
- SKOCH Award for Public Service.
In a rare honor, a 190-acre lake in Telangana – Asok Sagar, and a village in Andhra Pradesh – Asok Nagar, have been named after him in recognition of his developmental contributions.
Academic and Advisory Engagements
Post-retirement, Asok Kumar has continued to contribute to academia and governance. He serves as a Visiting Professor of Practice at IIT Kanpur, Senior Faculty at the Centre for Policy Research (CPR), New Delhi, and guest lecturer at IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Raipur, and IIT Roorkee.
He also sits on the Board of Directors of Kannur International Airport Limited and advises several organizations involved in policy innovation, water resource management, and digital governance.
About G Asok Kumar
- Batch & Cadre: IAS (1991), Telangana cadre
- Education: B.Tech. in Electronics and Communication, College of Engineering, Trivandrum
- Date of Birth: February 7, 1964
- Fluent Languages: English and Malayalam
- Previous Roles: DG, NMCG; Director, Ministry of Power; Joint Secretary, Civil Aviation; Project Director, National River Conservation Directorate
Looking Ahead
As Delhi grapples with growing urban infrastructure challenges and sustainability demands, the inclusion of an officer like Asok Kumar in the PWD signals a strategic emphasis on clean infrastructure, water efficiency, and resilience-focused development.
A senior government official noted –
“Mr. Asok Kumar’s extensive experience with large-scale national missions will help bring long-term institutional reforms and improve coordination between agencies in Delhi’s infrastructure planning.”
