Rajendra Singh while addressing the gathering during a programme in Nashik city on Monday.
Referring to the state’s ‘Chala Januya Nadila’ (Let’s Know Our Rivers) initiative launched approximately seven years ago, Singh noted that schools and colleges across Maharashtra have prepared reports on nearly 108 rivers.
Singh was speaking at the “Green Kumbh” programme organised by the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), which was attended by environmentalists and teachers from various schools across the city. He stressed that the time has now come to move from documentation to direct action.
“The reports on around 108 rivers are ready. As a result, the announcement and the programme as planned for today could not take place,” he said.
The next step must be to rejuvenate these rivers and restore them to their original form,” Singh said. Mahajan has agreed in principle to launch a “Maharashtra River Rejuvenation Mission,” aimed at reviving rivers that have deteriorated into sewage drains over the years, according to Singh. He further mentioned that the necessity of a dedicated river restoration campaign had been discussed with Girish Mahajan, the minister for water resources and district guardian minister. Minister Mahajan was expected to attend the programme to officially announce the proposed mission. However, he was unable to participate as he had to leave for Mumbai for urgent official commitments. Expressing disappointment over the minister’s absence, Singh noted that the planned announcement could not be made. “Politicians have their own compulsions. When a senior leader calls, they cannot refuse. The Chief Minister summoned him, and he had to leave for Mumbai.