Mumbai: More than three lakh people participated in the ‘Maha Walkathon – Walk for Water’ organised across all 36 districts of Maharashtra to spread awareness about soil and water conservation, state Soil and Water Conservation Minister Sanjay Rathod said on Friday.
Worli Event Highlights Need For People’s Participation In Conservation Efforts
Speaking at the state-level event held near Sagar Point in Worli, Rathod said the initiative marked a step towards building a water-secure Maharashtra. The state observes August 21 as Water Conservation Day in memory of former chief minister late Sudhakarrao Naik, who made significant contributions to the water conservation sector.
Rathod said the campaign was organised with the message of “Save soil, conserve water and build a safe Maharashtra”. Instead of limiting discussions on water conservation to government meetings, the department decided to reach out directly to people and create wider public awareness.
Rathod Calls Water And Soil Conservation Crucial For Maharashtra’s Future
“Water and soil are directly linked to Maharashtra’s future. Government efforts can succeed only with active public participation,” Rathod said, urging especially young people to join the water conservation movement.
He recalled Naik’s contribution in giving an institutional framework to water conservation and turning the concept of “stop water, let it percolate” into a mass movement.
Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Sachin Ahir described the Maha Walkathon as an innovative initiative aimed at taking the message of saving soil and water to every section of society. He said water conservation should become a people’s movement beyond caste and religion.
The three-kilometre state-level walkathon was held from the Aarey Milk Colony area to Madraswadi along the coastal road. Rathod, Ahir, Minister of State Indranil Naik and senior officials walked the entire route with participants.
Actors Pushkar Shrotri, Jackie Bhagnani, Rajneesh Duggal, former cricketer Irfan Pathan and singer Sanju Rathod were among those who participated. Participants also took a pledge to conserve soil and water.
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