Lucknow/Bulandshahar,

5 June (HS): A special event was organized on the occasion of World Environment

Day 2025 in Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh, which was presided over by

Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil. The event was organized under the 'Namami

Gange' mission. Its main objective was to strengthen India's commitment towards

sustainable development, river rejuvenation, clean environment and youth

participation. The event started with a vibrant tree plantation drive in which

Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil participated enthusiastically.

In

his address, Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil said that in our culture every

river has been called 'mother'. In such a situation, their conservation is not

just a responsibility but devotion. Patil termed the plastic pollution

spreading in the rivers as the biggest challenge of the time. He said that we

have to stop pollution at the source itself. The use of plastic has to be

stopped and public awareness has to be spread. Until we understand that Ganga

is not just a river, but a life-giving power - conservation will remain

incomplete. He praised the Namami Gange scheme launched by Prime Minister

Narendra Modi in 2014. He told that today STPs have been installed in every

corner of the Ganga basin to treat dirty water, which has stopped the direct

flow of pollution into the Ganga. Sharing the experience of meeting Ganga

Praharis, Patil said that these guards not only clean the Ganga themselves, but

also stop others from spreading pollution. We have to ensure that dirty water

does not reach the Ganga and strict action should be taken against anyone who

pollutes the Ganga.

Emphasis

on conservation of Ganga and its tributaries: During the programme, Jal Shakti

Minister C.R. Patil inspected the Ganga Aqua Life Rescue and Rehabilitation

Centre at Narora. This centre is playing an important role in the conservation

of Gangetic dolphins, freshwater turtles and other aquatic species. The

minister also visited an exhibition organised at the centre, which was

organised by the Wildlife Institute of India. During this, he interacted with

the researchers and stressed the importance of scientific knowledge and local

participation for the protection of river ecology.

During

the program, Union Minister Patil took the initiative to release fish

fingerlings into the Ganga river at Narwar Ghat. This step will prove to be

important in restoring the aquatic food chain. After this, Ganga Prahari,

volunteers and corporation employees together carried out a cleanliness drive

at the ghat. Along with this, a play based on river pollution, personal

responsibility and the spiritual and ecological importance of Ganga was also

staged.

Natural

Farming Workshop and Innovation in Agriculture Sector: The Natural Farming

Workshop organized at Narwar Ghat was inaugurated by Jal Shakti Minister CR

Patil. Farmers, agricultural experts and students from across the country

gathered in this workshop. The main objective of this event was to discuss

measures to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal of doubling the

income of farmers. In the workshop, experts discussed measures to free

themselves from chemical fertilizers, improve soil health and tackle climate

change. During this, farmers shared their challenges.

During

the program, the Jal Shakti Minister interacted with more than 200 Ganga

Praharis, school students and MSC students. These youth shared their efforts to

promote environmentally friendly practices. Also, a report of the National

River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) was released, which provided information

on ongoing projects and environmental data.

Mobile

bus initiative for environmental awareness: As a unique initiative at the

event, Minister Patil inaugurated a specially designed mobile bus of the

National Book Trust (NBT). The bus will travel across rural and semi-urban

areas and spread environmental awareness through literature, storytelling and

interactive education.

The

event in Bulandshahr was a great example of the multi-stakeholder strategy of

the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The event saw a confluence of science, tradition,

community participation and youth leadership. Activities such as plantation,

biodiversity conservation, natural farming and cultural programs reflect the

unwavering resolve of the Government of India towards environmental protection

and restoration of ecosystems. The event not only promotes environmental

conservation efforts but also ensures that future generations can see a clean

and green India.

In

the program, Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil also discussed the importance of

Ganga Dussehra, which is a symbol of faith and reverence towards the river

Ganga. He said that on the day of Ganga Dussehra, there is special importance

of bathing and worshiping on the banks of the Ganga, which is not only

important from a religious point of view, but also gives a positive message

towards environmental protection.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi