Jubilee Post News & Views
Jubilee News Desk
Minister calls for collective action as Jal Sahelis’ march strengthens the movement for a clean and uninterrupted Yamuna.
When the Jal Sahelis’ padyatra for an Aviral–Nirmal Yamuna reached Palwal, it was met with an outpouring of respect and solidarity from local citizens, social organisations, and environmental advocates. The march, which began in Bundelkhand with a resolve to restore the uninterrupted and clean flow of the Yamuna, found strong support on Haryana’s soil.
The yatra was specially welcomed by Smt. Ratan Gautam, mother of Gaurav Gautam, Minister of Law and Legislative Affairs (Independent Charge), Government of Haryana. She greeted the Jal Sahelis with floral showers, honouring their dedication and sacrifice. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Gaurav Gautam said, “The Yamuna is not merely a river; it is a symbol of our cultural and spiritual faith. Without its protection, our civilisation, culture, and the future of coming generations remain incomplete. Keeping the Yamuna clean and uninterrupted is our collective responsibility.” He emphasised that while the government is consistently working toward Yamuna purification, the mission cannot succeed without active participation from society. Administration and citizens must take concrete and coordinated steps to ensure that the river regains its aviral and nirmal form.
National President of the Jal Saheli Committee, Pushpa Kushwaha, stated that the march is not just a foot journey but a mass movement to protect water and life itself. What began in the Bundelkhand region has now crossed state boundaries, uniting communities in a shared cause. Hundreds of women, she said, are staying away from their families to selflessly spread awareness about river conservation so that future generations inherit clean water and a safe environment.
Lata Kadesara, a Jal Saheli from Lalitpur, reflected that throughout the long journey, it has become clear that society holds deep emotional ties with the Yamuna. However, due to personal interests and negligence, conservation efforts often fall short. Encouraged by the warmth and cooperation received along the route, she expressed confidence that sustained awareness campaigns can indeed save India’s rivers.
Leading the yatra, Dr. Sanjay Singh called for the immediate installation of filtration and treatment plants on drains flowing into the Yamuna. He stressed that no untreated sewage or industrial waste should be allowed to enter the river. With effective filtration systems and strict monitoring, pollution levels can be significantly controlled, he asserted.
Today’s leg of the padyatra was led prominently by the Jal Sahelis from Lalitpur, who actively conducted public dialogues and awareness drives, inspiring people to take responsibility for river conservation. The journey, which began on January 29 from Pachnad Dham in Jalaun district, has already covered several hundred kilometres. Nearly 300 Jal Sahelis are continuously engaging with communities, spreading awareness about water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and river rejuvenation.
The yatra will culminate on February 26 at Vasudev Ghat in Delhi, where a special Yamuna Katha programme will be organised, reaffirming the collective pledge to restore and protect the sacred river for generations to come.
