Maharashtra's Maha Walkathon sees over 3 lakh citizens promotr soil, water conservation

More than three lakh citizens across 36 districts of Maharashtra have joined the lsquoMaha Walkathonrsquo initiative to promote soil and water conservation efforts state Minister Sanjay Rathod said on FridayWhile speaking at the event in Worli Rathod said the programme organised on the birth anniversary of former chief minister late Sudhakarrao Naik is aimed at creating a watersecure state by raising awareness about the importance of soil and water conservation reported PTIldquoSave soil conserve water and build a safe Maharashtrardquo was the central message of the lsquoMaha Walkathon ndash Walk for Waterrsquo initiative he saidGovernment takes conservation message to the peopleThe Soil and Water Conservation Department organised the programme to increase public participation in conservation efforts Rathod said that instead of limiting discussions on the issue to meetings at Mantralaya the government decided to take the awareness campaign directly to the peopleldquoSoil and water are directly linked to the future of Maharashtra Government efforts need peoples participation particularly that of the youth to strengthen the water conservation movementrdquo he said the news agency reportedThe minister also recalled Naikrsquos contribution to institutionalising soil and water conservation and turning the concept of lsquoPani Adva Pani Jirvarsquo stop water let it percolate into a wider peoples movementlsquoWater conservation must rise above caste religionrsquoLegislative Council Deputy Chairman Sachin Ahir described the walkathon as an innovative initiative to take the message of saving soil and conserving water to people at the grassroots levelldquoWater is everyones need The idea of water conservation must reach people beyond caste and religionrdquo Ahir said adding that the response from all 36 districts was a hopeful beginning towards creating a peoples movement for future generations reported PTIMinister of State for Soil and Water Conservation Indranil Naik said increasing public participation was essential as rainwater flowing away also carries fertile soil and prevents water from percolating into the groundHe urged citizens to participate in conservation efforts to ensure fertile land and sustainable water resources for future generations3km walkathon held along Mumbairsquos Coastal RoadThe threekilometre statelevel walkathon began near Aarey Milk Colony and concluded at Madraswadi along the Coastal Road Rathod walked the entire distance along with the participantsAhir Naik and senior government officials also participated in the walkActors Pushkar Shrotri Rajnish Duggal and Jackie Bhagnani as well as former cricketer Irfan Pathan were among those presentThe event also featured a water conservation pledge tree watering and a song conveying the message of saving soil and waterWith PTI inputs