Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has expressed need for change in rituals and methods to express faith and devotion towards Maa Narmada. He urged the people that Narmada should be worshiped by planting saplings. Do not release sewage and poojan material in Narmada River. Chouhan participating as padyatri was addressing the Jan-Sanvad programme held at Bargi on Monday.
Chouhan said that Maa Narmada is a lifeline of Madhya Pradesh. He explained the importance of river for agriculture, electricity, potable water and environment. He said that the State is ahead of Punjab and Haryana States in agriculture production today. Agriculture growth rate is more than 20 per cent. Water supply of Jabalpur and other big cities is dependent on Maa Narmada.
After revival of Ksipra River, work is in progress from Maa Narmada river to revive Gambhir River. By felling trees of Vindhyanchal and Satpura, we have destroyed the life strength of our lifeline Maa Narmada. Now Narmada has become a seasonal river, we have to change it. Everyone should administer pledge to plant at least one sapling, to protect it, not to release swage in Narmda water and not to pollute Maa Narmada with poojan material.
Chouhan called upon the Sadhu-Sants to exercise their religious powers to stop traditions and rituals of Jal Samadhis in river. Abhishek of Narmada should be done with narmada water only. Garlands, havan material, deepdaan and idols should be immersed in poojan kunds. Chouhan told the farmers to come forward to place green Chunri on Maa Narmada and undertake fruit plantation. The State Government will provide full support in this.
The State Government will provide compensation of `20,000 per hectare till the trees started bearing fruits. Also 40 per cent subsidy will be provided on saplings and remuneration will be paid to dig pits. He inspired the farmers to quit use of chemical fertilizer and to adopt organic farming. Chouhan administered pledge to observe Raksha bandhan festival to protect trees, for de-addiction and to consider boy and girl as equal and to educate girl child. On the urge of Chouhan more than 3 thousand farmers have filled pledge letters to undertake fruit plantation during the Jan-Sanvad programme.
Chouhan said that the Narmada Seva Yatra started by the Government has taken the form of People’s movement now. Informing about not to undertake auction of liquor shops located on the banks of river Narmada from the next year, Chouahn said that ban on sale and purchase of land in 16 villages of Jabalpur district situated on the banks of river has been lifted. New sewage system will be established for Jabalpur and Bargi. Sewage water after treatment will be provided for the agriculture. This scheme will be prepared by the experts.
MP Rakesh Singh said that Narmada should be conserved in the form of ancient heritage. MP Prahalad Patel said that society should have proper behaviour with Maa Narmada. Film Actor Ashutosh Rana said to consider construction without sand. Moreover, Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal said that the Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is the only one political leader of the country who has taken a pledge for revival of river. Addressing the programme, all the Dharmgurus praised the efforts undertaken for environment conservation describe the Narmada conservation as the biggest religion.