Agitation demands Godavari river to be made pollution free

Varous organisations in Nashik led by Ganga Godavari Panchkoti Purohit Sangh in association with the Nirmal Goda Abhiyan staged an agitation on Tuesday.
The agitators sat at the holy "Ram Kunda" (a sacred pond) near Godavari river, holding banners and posters, demanding that the river should be made pollution free, Purohit Sangh President Satish Shukla said.
Other organisations like Nashik Industries and Manufacturers' Association (NIMA), Ambad Industries and Manufacturers' Association (AIMA), Indian Medical Association (IMA), Shukla Yajurvedi Madyanin Sanstha, Dharma Sabha, Bar Association of Nashik, Hasya Yoga clubs and senior citizens' clubs also supported the agitation.
Speaking on the occasion, Ganga Godavari Panchkothi Purohit Sangh president Satish Shukla said, "The Godavari is considered the elder sister of the Ganga, since the Godavari emerged before Ganga. Hence, the tradition is that when pilgrims take a holy bath in the Ganga, they come to Nashik to take a dip in the Godavari. This tradition is still followed".

"The Kumbh Mela is a big occasion and as mythology states, the drop of nectar (amrit) had fallen in the Ram Kund. Unfortunately, the holiness of the river is being spoilt due to sewage and other pollutants flowing into it. Such pollution needs to be stopped immediately," he said.