Mumbai: More than three lakh citizens participated in the ‘Maha Walkathon – Walk for Water’ organised simultaneously across all 36 districts of Maharashtra, giving a major boost to the state’s efforts to turn water conservation into a people’s movement.
Mass participation for water conservation
Soil and Water Conservation Minister Sanjay Rathod said the initiative was aimed at spreading awareness about soil conservation, water management and the importance of public participation in water conservation efforts.
“Water conservation is not merely a government responsibility but an issue directly linked to the future of every citizen. The overwhelming response to the ‘Walk for Water’ reflects the people’s growing awareness and willingness to participate in water conservation,” Rathod said.
As part of the initiative, each participant walked three kilometres to spread the message of water conservation. The minister said the participation of more than three lakh people represented not merely a figure but the collective commitment of Maharashtra’s citizens towards conserving soil and water.
Citizens join statewide walkathon
The walkathon was inaugurated at Worli in Mumbai, while citizens from all 36 districts participated simultaneously. Students, youth, women, farmers, government employees, college students and members of various social groups took part in the event.
The participation of young people was particularly significant, the minister said.
Public support for water schemes
The state is implementing several water conservation initiatives, including Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan 2.0, ‘Galmukt Dharan, Galyukt Shivar’, Amrit Sarovar and the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchay Yojana.
The ‘Walk for Water’ served as an effective platform to create awareness about these schemes and encourage greater public participation in conservation activities, Rathod said.
He stressed the need for citizens to actively participate in rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, protection of water bodies and prevention of soil erosion.
Greater public participation would make water conservation efforts more effective and sustainable, he added.
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Water conservation campaign launched
The state is also implementing a ‘Water Conservation Campaign’ from August 15, 2026, to January 26, 2027.
The campaign will focus on watershed development, revival of water sources, desilting, groundwater recharge and soil conservation. Selected villages will also be encouraged to construct water absorption pits.
Rathod said the response to the walkathon would provide fresh momentum to the campaign and appealed to citizens to carry the message of water conservation beyond the one-day event and take it to every village and household.
“Saving soil means protecting agriculture, while conserving water means securing the future of coming generations,” Rathod said, urging people to join hands with the government to transform water conservation into a broader public movement.
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