Bhopal: Narmada Seva Yatra being started by the Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to make Narmada River free of pollution is being praised at international level. While supporting the yatra, Nobel Peace Prize Winner Former President of East Timor Jose Ramos Horta, Spiritual Leader Dalai Lama, Justice of Labour Court Brazil Lalio Kartio, CEO Gramin Bank Bangladesh and Nobel Prize Winner Ratan Kumar Nag and Nobel Prize Winner Kailash Satyarthi has termed this as the remarkable effort for conservation of Narmada River. This information was provided at the meeting held at Mantralaya today to review arrangements of Narmada Seva Yatra.
The Chief Minister gave important directives to the senior officers regarding arrangements of Narmada Seva Yatra. He informed that the yatra is getting extraordinary support from public. People are taking part with devotion and enthusiasm. He further mentioned that this yatra will become great public movement. This will prove to be a unique river conservation campaign in the world. Chouhan mentioned that the public is spearheaded the yatra since beginning and is coming forward making arrangements of food etc. for yatris.
Chouhan directed the officials to make podium arrangement from the state level at various places. Moreover, he directed the officials for compilation of day to day update of pledge letters obtained from farmers to undertake fruit plantation at state level. He said that both the Horticulture and Forest department should prepare strategy for plantation together. Prepare nursery of such plants which stops soil erosion and water. He further said that there is a need for micro planning for plantation. He directed to provide proper variety of saplings for plantation after testing Narmada shores soil and soil of the farmers land. Chouhan said that this will increase horticulture area. Directing the officials for plantation as per the agriculture climate, Chouhan has directed to make team of Forest officers having expertise in plantation field. He told the officials to be prepared to start plantation work in the month of February and March.
Regarding construction of sewage plants to stop sewage water release into Narmada River, Chouhan said that construction of sewage plant should begin from Amarkantak. He also directed the officials to fix the time period for construction. He said that each house situated on the banks of river Narmada should have toilet facility and there is no lack of fund for this.Moreover, Shri Chouhan gave directives to construct changing rooms for women on those ghats where devotees come in large number. He said that at least 5000 changing rooms are needed. Regarding construction of poojan kunds, Chouhan said that pollution is spread due to release of poojan material in the river. Hence, construction of poojan kunds is necessary. This will prove beneficial and effective to prevent environment. He also gave directives to identify places to construct mukti dhams. Farmers will be encouraged for bio-farming. He said that de-addiction campaign is linked to the yatra. This is the opportunity to educate people about the ills of addiction.