Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today kick started five-month long 'Narmada Sewa Yatra' from Amarkantak, from where the river originates, amid chants of 'Narmada Maiyya Ki Jai'.
"I am inviting one and all to join this Yatra, no one should be left out from taking advantage of this holy mission. By the time this Yatra gets over, each and every village will be defecation free," said Chouhan while announcing a sewage treatment project at Amarkantak costing Rs 15.50 crore.
Accompanied by saints, villagers and activists before starting the Yatra, Chouhan planted saplings near the bank of Narmada river amid loud cheers from people. The nearly 3500-kilometers long Yatra is aimed at making Narmada, the life line of Madhya Pradesh, pollution free.
Of 3500-Km, the leaders, activists and villagers would cover a distance of 1900 km by foot.
The Chief Minister will take part in the yatra in phases at least once in a week.
"The saplings will be planted along the sides of the river. The farmers will get annual compensation of Rs 20,000 per hectare to plant fruit trees for three years on both sides of river," he said.
"Besides, the sewage treatment plants will come up in the towns on the banks of river to ensure that affluents are not released into it," Chouhan said while addressing the public at the launch of river conservation campaign.
"A de-addiction drive too will be run in the villages on the banks of the water body during Yatra," he added.
Singh said he was trying to 'repay the holy river' as the sand mafia have exploited it excessively. "Maiyya (mother Narmada), please save us and forgive us," he said.
He said Narmada has blessed MP abundantly. "It was because of the river, that the state got four annual National Awards consecutively for leading in agriculture yield in the country. Due to Maiyya (Mother Narmada) our growth rate was superb," he said.
Also addressing the meeting, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said the river has benefitted his state hugely. He said Gujarat will also join in the Yatra when it reaches there.
Senior RSS leader Bhaiyaji Joshi said civilisations have developed along the banks of rivers in India.
He said culture, religion, business, among other things, had their genesis alongside the rivers. Ministers of MP state cabinet were also present at the launch of Yatra.
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