Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday launched the Narmada Seva Yatra at Amarkantak. The five months long Yatra aims at turning the Narmada river pollution-free.
Chouhan performed religious rituals before kick-starting the campaign. The Chief Minister said that he will join the campaign every week. He also said that the participation of the public will be ensured.
The Narmada Sewa Yatra will create awareness about the conservation of the river. It will cover more than 1,900 km in 16 districts. All the villages along the river will have Narmada Sewa Samiti to take follow-up action on measures to be undertaken for its preservation. Trees will be planted along the banks of the Narmada and sewage will be treated before it flows into the river.
Chouhan inaugurated the 144 days Namami Devi Narmade Seva Yatra from the origin of the State's life line Narmada river at Amarkantak. This yatra will pass through 16 districts covering cities and towns situated at both the banks of the river. The first halt of the yatra will be at Arandi Ashram situated 3 km far from Amarkantak.
Chouhan performed pooja-archana at Narmada mandir at Amarkantak and offered chunri. Kalash Yatra began from Narmada temple that proceeded to Ramghat passing through the main road. Chief Minister Chouhan honoured sadhu-sants and performed Kanya poojan.
Chouhan also talked to the people. Chouhan, subject experts and guests of the programme addressed the people. After performing pooja of the flag by sadhu-sants , it was handed over to the Chief Minister and he carried it to the Narmada vatika situated at Ramghat and planted Navgrah and Triveni along with the guests. After this, the yatra proceeded for Arandi ashram from the southern bank of the river Narmada in the leadership of Chouhan. Chouhan participated in the programme being organized at Arandi ashram.
The Chief Minister will inaugurate Narmada Seva Yatra from Arandi ashram on Monday.