Haryana Government’s ambitious river Saraswati rejuvenation project has drawn the attention of Governments of Australia and Japan.
While Australia has already offered its support for this project, talks are on with Japan and also, Australia regarding research on subjects related to Saraswati project, said Prashant Bhardwaj, deputy chairman, Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board (HSHDB).
He said that “Rashtriya Saraswati Mahotsav” will be organized in February 2017 as a part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the formation of Haryana.
During this festival, scientists from about 20 countries would be invited. Also, scientists of renowned research institutes and universities of the state would take part in the festival, said he.
Bhardwaj said that Saraswati Mahotsav would be organized at international level in the year 2018.
He said that the State Government has a plan to set up a Centre of Research on river Saraswati in Kurukshetra University. The State Government has already approved an amount of Rs 20 lakh for the establishment of research centre.
To generate awareness about river Saraswati, seminars were also being organized at college and university level. Also, work on an extensive research project is in progress under which research institutes of national and international repute and universities would be invited to conduct research on subjects like archeology, environmental studies, climate change, river technology, water conservation, irrigation and flood control management, said he.
While referring to a recent meeting of an Australian delegation with Chief Minister Manohar lal, he said that Australia has offered its support in rejuvenation of river Saraswati.
The BJP led Haryana Government had in 2015 decided to restore Saraswati creek from Adi Badri to Mustafabad in Yamunanagar district and set up Adi Badri Heritage Board.
The Saraswati river, considered sacred in Hindu religion, finds mention in ancient Hindu scriptures like the Rig Veda, Mahabharata, Ramayana and others, giving credence to the belief that it existed during those times.