Kollam (Ker): Stressing the need to preserve Ganga river which symbolises the country's culture and heritage, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today made a fervent plea to Indians across the world to contribute to the Namami Ganga and Swacch Bharat campaigns of the Centre.

"Ganga is not merely a symbol of religion. It is a symbol of holiness, culture and geography and most importantly it is one of the most powerful instruments of our economy", Jaitley said.