Forests are the heart and pulse of Narmada

Bhopal: The forests of Narmanchal work like the heart and pulse for the Narmada and its tributaries. The water for the incessant flow of the Narmada like the Ganga-Yamuna comes not from the melting of the Himalayan snow, instead it comes the forests spread across the mountains of Vindhyachal and Satpuda.These forests absorb the water of the monsoon rains which then seeps into the rivers gradually and helps maintain the water content of the Narmada. About 5 crore saplings will be planted fromAmarkantak to Badwani on the banks of the river Narmada to ensure incessant flow of water from the Narmada.

Na Mrita Tena Narmada

The first identification of any river is its “flow”. For being perennial since ages, Narmada is known as “Na Mrita Tena Narmada”. Skanda Purana describes the Narmada as “Sapta Kalpakshayekshine na mrita ten Narmada”meaning Narmada that cannot be destroyed even after seven kalpas passed and the water source of Narmada are the forests. If trees don’t exist nothing can save Narmada. Maa Narmada besides being the lifeline, helps the state flourish financially also as it provides us drinking water, irrigation and electricity. Today the campaign started by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to ensue incessant flow of Narmada water is attracting the world’s attention towards global environment.

CM Chouhan’s Narmada Seva Yatra to give far-reaching results

If the condition of the jungles deteriorates, it could prove disastrous for the Narmada and its tributaries. According to the study “Pilot Analysis of Global Ecosystem” by World Resources Institute, Washington on various river basins, Narmada river basin is under the worst threat as its annual flow in the most dry months decreases to less than 2 per cent. If timely measures are not taken, those residing on the river basin may not have sufficient water for existence by 2025. As per the figures released by the Director General of Indian Census the total population of the districts in the Narmada region which was 65.69 lakhs in the year 1901, 3.31 crore in 2001 will turn 4.81 crores in the year 2026. Hence, the step taken by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the form of “Namami Devi Narmade”- Seva Yatra is being considered a historic twist.

Today Narmada Seva Yatra reached Lingapodi via Rasaiyyadona from Mandla. Local people’s representatives received the dhwaj and performed kalash pujan in both the places. Women and kanyas welcomed the Yatra with kalash on their heads amidst the beat of drums and slogans of ‘Narmade Har’. Seers, Social workers accompanying people in large numbers were present. Today is the 128th day of the Yatra.-WTN