Maharashtra to observe water conservation day on August 21, announces Maha Walkathon

Maharashtra will observe Water Conservation Day on August 21 with a weeklong awareness programme from August 15 to 21 and a statewide water conservation campaign from August 15 2026 to January 26 2027 an official statement said on TuesdayIt said that Soil and Water Conservation Minister Sanjay Rathod has directed all government departments and local authorities to work together to promote awareness about the importance of protecting soil and water resourcesThe announcement was made during a virtual meeting chaired by Rathod to discuss the programmes planned for Water Conservation Day and Water Conservation WeekA threekilometre lsquoMaha Walkathon ndash Walk for Waterrsquo will be organised in every district on August 21The theme of the campaign is lsquoSave Soil Save Water Secure Tomorrowrsquo while its slogan is lsquoPaani Adva Paani Jirva Jalyukta Maharashtra GhadvarsquoCitizens elected representatives Maharashtra government employees students nongovernmental organisations social groups industry representatives sports organisations and young people will be encouraged to take partMen and women aged 15 years and above will be eligible to participate Online registration through a QR code will be provided and participants will receive ecertificatesThe walkathon will be followed by a pledge on soil and water conservationYouth to take part in reel competitionThe government will also organise a statelevel lsquoReel for Soil and Water Conservationrsquo competition during Water Conservation WeekYoung people aged 15 to 30 can participate by creating a 30 to 60second Instagram Reel using the hashtag SaveSoilSaveWaterParticipants can focus on topics such as soil conservation saving water preventing soil erosion rainwater harvesting farm ponds check dams tree plantation and environmental protectionStorytelling acting music dance animation AIbased creativity comedy short films and drone visuals can be usedAt district level winners will receive Rs 25000 for first place Rs 15000 for second place and Rs 10000 for third place along with certificates and awards Other outstanding participants will receive ecertificatesWater Conservation activities in schools and collegesDuring the campaign from August 15 2026 to January 26 2027 schools and colleges across all 36 districts will conduct several activitiesThese will include essay drawing and poster competitions debates water conservation pledges and the lsquoOne SchoolOne Recharge Pitrsquo initiativeSchools will also identify and appoint lsquoJal Mitrarsquo or lsquoJal Dootrsquo to promote awareness about water conservationOn August 21 schools will pay tribute to former Maharashtra Chief Minister the late Sudhakarrao Naik and students will take a pledge to protect soil and waterThe government will also promote water conservation work in both rural and urban areas during the campaign periodActivities will include foundationlaying and inauguration of soil and water conservation projects inspections of farm ponds and water sources tree plantation around Amrit Sarovar sites and cleaning of streams ponds wells and percolation tanks through public participationTree plantation initiatives including lsquoHarit MaharashtraSampann Maharashtrarsquo and lsquoEk Ped Maa Ke Naamrsquo will also be taken upSudhakarrao Naikrsquos contributionRathod said August 21 was chosen as Water Conservation Day to mark the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister Sudhakarrao Naik who played an important role in promoting the lsquoPaani Adva Paani Jirvarsquo water conservation movement in MaharashtraHe said soil and water are closely linked natural resources and their conservation is essential for agriculture the environment and sustainable developmentRathod urged citizens particularly young people and students to participate in the campaign and help spread the message of water conservationldquoSaving soil and conserving water is not only the responsibility of the government but a collective responsibility of every citizenrdquo he said