Bhopal: Minister for Forest Gourishankar Shejwar along with wife participated in ‘Namami Devi Narmade’ Seva yatra on its 75th day in Koteshwar of Dhar district. He performed Aarti of Maa Narmada and undertook plantation. Chairman Child Protection Commission Raghvendra Sharma, Former MLA Mukamsingh Kirade, villagers and devotees in large number were present on the occasion. Jan-Sanvad programmes were held at Nisarpur and Kadmal during the yatra. A short play was staged by the students of Nisarpur village focusing cleanliness and to prevent Narmada river from pollution. Jan-Sanvad focusing organic farming held at village Kadmal.
Shejwar said that Yatra has been started by the Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for conservation of lifeline Maa Narmada. The yatra started on last December 11 from Amarkantak will culminate at Amarkantak on May 11. He further mentioned that this yatra has become an example of river conservation in the entire world.
Shejwar further stated that Maa Narmada is the foundation of our life. It provides water for electricity, drinking and irrigation. Our faith and beliefs are attached to it. He said that it is our responsibility to save Maa Narmada from pollution and to conserve it. We are fortunate for getting an opportunity to serve Maa Narmada, he added.
Besides, Shejwar shed light on establishment of sewage treatment plants in big cities and towns to prevent Maa Narmada from pollution, plantation schemes on both the banks of river, to quit open defecation, construction of toilets in houses, construction of Muktidhams and schemes related to construction of separate kunds for idols and poojan material immersion. He also informed that no liquor shops will be opened in the radius of 5.5 km on both the banks of Narmada River. Shejwar also administered pledge to the villagers towards de-addiction and Beti Bachao.
Information in detail was given by agriculture experts on the ill effects towards use of chemical fertlisers in village Kadmal. Farmers were told to adopt organic farming. Chairman Child Protection Commission Raghvendra Sharma also expressed his views. Mukamsingh Kirade in local dialect explained the issues in detail related to Narmada River conservation. Plantation was carried out by the guests in Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Memorial Forest in Nisarpur. Giving warm reception to the yatra, Kalash yatra was set out at Nisarpur, Kadmal, Chikhalda and Khaparkheda.