Fadnavis Flags Off Water Yatra, Links Heritage With Conservation Drive
Launched at Trimbakeshwar, the five-day yatra from April 25 to 29 commemorates the 300th birth anniversary of Rajmata Ahilyadevi Holkar: Reports
MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday launched the ‘Goda to Narmada Jal Yatra’, a water conservation outreach aimed at reinforcing the government’s commitment to a drought-free State. The initiative, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi,” coincides with the tricentenary year of Ahilyabai Holkar. Mr. Fadnavis said the campaign seeks to promote awareness, modern water-saving practices and river rejuvenation.
Launched at Trimbakeshwar, the five-day yatra from April 25 to 29 commemorates the 300th birth anniversary of Rajmata Ahilyadevi Holkar. It combines ecological awareness with cultural reverence, involving the symbolic collection of water from 30 rivers across Maharashtra, culminating in a ceremonial offering to the Narmada River. The initiative is envisaged not merely as a ritual exercise but as a participatory movement to sensitise citizens to sustainable water management amid recurring drought concerns.
Highlighting the historical inspiration behind the programme, Mr. Fadnavis described Ahilyabai Holkar as an exemplary ruler whose governance integrated spirituality with public welfare. “Her approach to water conservation ensured that no region under her rule faced scarcity… Her work in water conservation is significant, as seen in the good condition of wells, stepwells and other water structures built by her. The government has decided to preserve them,” he said. He added that her contributions extended beyond infrastructure to social reform, particularly in advancing women’s education and employment.
The Chief Minister underscored the enduring relevance of her river management practices, citing her efforts at Maheshwar, where she ensured a separate stream of the Narmada for daily use while preserving the sanctity of the main river. “She treated rivers as mothers and goddesses. Rivers such as the Godavari, Yamuna and Narmada occupied a central place in her governance philosophy,” he said.
Emphasising the broader objectives of the yatra, Mr. Fadnavis said it aims to foster public awareness on water conservation and promote modern techniques for efficient water use. “Just as river-linking projects connect water bodies, this yatra will connect people, society and culture. It is not merely symbolic; it will evolve into a mass movement,” he said.
He added that during the Kumbh Mela, the government is committed to ensuring a “Nirmal Godavari, Aviral Godavari” (clean and uninterrupted Godavari) through sustained conservation efforts. “We are also ensuring the Godavari will flow throughout the year in Trimbakeshwar,” he said.
The yatra commenced from Chondi, the birthplace of Ahilyabai Holkar, and Trimbakeshwar. The leg at Chondi was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, and will converge at Shirdi as its first major halt. During the journey, water collected from various river basins will be used in ceremonial worship, symbolising unity and ecological responsibility.
Mr. Fadnavis also lauded Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil for organising the yatra, expressing confidence that it would strengthen public participation in water conservation and contribute to the State’s long-term goal of drought mitigation.
