Nagpur/Amravati/Chandrapur: Hundreds of youngsters, students and citizens stepped out in Civil Lines for a water conservation cause. ‘Maha Walkathon – Walk for Water’, organised by Soil and Water Conservation Department, saw enthusiastic participation as part of a statewide awareness drive to mark the birth anniversary of former chief minister Sudhakarrao Naik.
The Nagpur walkathon began at 6am from Ladies Club, with participants carrying placards highlighting the need to conserve water and use resources responsibly. Katol MLA Charan Singh Thakur flagged off the rally. He urged participants to make water literacy a part of everyday life to “overcome future water crises”. The MLA stressed that water conservation was essential for the country’s prosperity.
The initiative brought together representatives of NCC and NSS, youth organisations, educational institutions and social organisations. Senior officials from Soil and Water Conservation Department and Zilla Parishad also participated in the initiative.
Similar walkathons drew crowds in several districts across Maharashtra. In Amravati, the walkathon began at Shivaji Physical Education College ground and passed through Panchavati Chowk, Girls High School Chowk, District Treasury Office and Irrigation Bhavan before returning to the starting point. Divisional commissioner Nayana Gunde and Shivaji Education Society president Harshwardhan Deshmukh flagged off the walkathon.
The event began with a water worship ceremony and a pledge to conserve water. Ten participants received prizes from a total pool of Rs71,000 through a lucky draw. Tanuja Meshram won the first prize, followed by Kasturi Bahurupi and Ayush Mundhe.
Chandrapur too witnessed a strong turnout, with students, youths, govt officials and citizens joining the walk from Chanda Club Ground. The route covered Old Warora Naka, Priyadarshini Chowk and Jatpura Gate.
Jeevandas Chahare emerged as the winner, with Asshar Pathan finishing second and Poonam Prajapati third. The winners were awarded cash prizes, medals and mementos, while seven other participants were presented smartwatches.
The walkathons sought to turn water conservation from an official campaign into a public movement, with organisers emphasising that tackling water scarcity would require sustained participation from citizens, particularly the younger generation.
Source: https://tinyurl.com/ysymxrz8
