Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that Narmada Seva Yatra has turned into a social movement. Narmada Seva is life’s mission and not a political ritual. He said that it is the duty of every citizen to save rivers, environment and water. Both government and the society will have to work simultaneously in this work.
Chouhan said that from next year onwards campaign to save all rivers will be launched. If the society starts working towards conservation of rivers, it will bring positive results. He said that it is time to wake up now and not to sleep. If people are self-inspired to save rivers, it will not take much time to fulfill the target. He said that it is better to focus on one’s duties rather than condemn those countries that are harming the environment. Chouhan was addressing the inaugural brainstorming session on River, Water and Environment Conservation at the Academy of Administration here on Monday.
This brainstorming session has been organised by the Environment Planning and Coordination Organisation and Jan Abhiyan Parishad in which experts connected with water conservation are taking part. Forest Minister Gauri Shankar Shejwar, Additional Chief Secretary Forest Deepak Khandekar, Narmada connoisseur Amritlal Begad and Water Conservation expert were present at the inaugural session.
Giving the outline of the future work plan under the Narmada Seva Mission Chouhan said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release this on May 15 at Amarkantak.
Union Minister of State for Forest and Environment Anil Madhav Dave said that Madhya Pradesh will set an example of river and water conservation in the entire country. He said that if the mountains, jungles and environment is not saved, the Narmada river will turn into a Cricket ground. He said that there is nothing in life other than Narmada. He said that there should be campaigns to revive every small river. He said that the Ganga is the river that quenches thirst.
There is need to save rivers, ponds and puddles that flow near villages. There is need to enrich the Kachar region of Narmada river. Society can undertake this task on its own with government support also.
Water Man and Magsaysay Award winner Rajendra Singh said that the Chief Minister has done a remarkable job by connecting the government, society and seers in conservation of rivers. He said that the Madhya Pradesh has taken up all works done by seers towards river and environment conservation. He congratulated Chief Minister Chouhan and his Cabinet members and officers for this. Rajendra Singh said that Chief Minister Chouhan, through the Narmada Seva Yatra has awakened the society towards conservation of not only Narmada river but other rivers also. He said that when Neer, Nari and Nadi are honoured, only then will rivers also be honoured.
Cine actor Jackie Shroff said that taking into account the future generation, concern for water is must. He said that the level of ground water is continually falling. Soil is being damaged, Everyone has to ponder on what kind of environment we want to leave for the future. He said that every citizen must plant saplings on special occasions and give the children the same culture. He said that the same lesson should be given in schools and colleges also and a environmentally-aware generation should be created. He said that the conservation of rivers is not a matter to be told but to be understood. He appreciated the initiative of the Chief Minister.