Madhya Pradesh CM launches Narmada clean-up drive

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today launched a Narmada clean-up drive aimed at setting an "example" in river conservation and cleaning in the country.
"The drive will run for 118 days. It is going to set an example in conserving and cleaning the rivers in the country," Chouhan said.
He said saplings will be planted on the sides of Narmada - the lifeline of the state providing water and electricity to the state - to check soil erosion.
He also said that treatment plants will be set up near the rivers in the state to ensure that effluent does not enter the river.

"Open defecation and drinking too will be discouraged in the human settlements near the river to ensure that Narmada's holiness is preserved," he said.
Chouhan said that a public awareness drive will be launched on November 11 in the villages close to Narmada for conserving and keeping the river clean.
He said the farmers will be encouraged with incentives to grow fruits on the sides of river under the drive.