Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has appealed to the people across the globe to come forward to save rivers, citing the example of Thames river, which, he said was converted into the cleanest water body in the world by the people of london.
"People of london have come forward to conserve the Thames and they have made it the world's cleanest river. Narmada is the least polluted river in India and we will not allow it to get polluted further. We will not rest till it becomes purest. World over people should come forward to conserve rivers," Chouhan wrote in a blog on the occasion of Narmada Jayanti on Friday.
The Chouhan stated he would write to United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres requesting him to launch a drive under the auspices of the agency to make people aware on the issue of conserving rivers.
As a mark of respect to Narmada, considered sacred by people, the state government has organised its cabinet meeting at picturesque Hanuwantia Island, created on the backwaters of the river.
The CM observed all ancient civilisations in the world are developed on the banks of rivers and Narmada too is no exception. "The holy river has played a major role in enriching the land around it. It is considered as a lifeline of Madhya Pradesh and figures among seven major rivers of the country," according to Chouhan.
Referring to his ongoing "Namami Devi Narmade-Narmada Sewa Yatra," the CM stated, "It will abreast people with historic, social, cultural, religious and economic aspects of the river. The main aim of this journey is to give message to the people world over to keep rivers, including Narmada, pollution free."
On Hanuwantia Island, he mentioned, "Today, international-level tourist spot like Hanuwantia got developed because of the river which will give the state a new identity."
Chouhan further stated, "Because of wishes of 'Maa Narmada', the state is continuously progressing on the path of development. The river provides drinking water to over four crore people and irrigation facility in 17-lakh hectares of land. Because of the river's blessings our food grain storage facility is full and darkness is away from houses as they are illuminated with power."
He said the state could generate 2400 MW power because of Narmada and is bestowed with four "Krishi Karman" awards (for largest food grain production) in the country.