CM says state will be ‘drought-free’ Mumbai: In a soulful blend of faith, history and futuristic governance, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated his regime’s commitment to making the state ‘drought-free’, flagging off a grant ‘Goda to Narmada Jal Yatra-2026” on Saturday from the temple town of Trimbakeshwar in Nashik district. The water pilgrimage, as it is called - starts from the origins of Godavari, second longest river, till the banks of the Narmada, fifth longest river of India, in Madhya Pradesh with a clarion call to kickstart water conservation and sustainable development efforts. “We are working on a major river interlinking project to make Maharashtra drought-free. Development must move in step with preserving cultural and ecological heritage,” Fadnavis said. Taking inspiration from the legendary Punyashlok Queen Ahilyabai Holkar, he called her visionary leadership, contributions to water conservation from wells and stepwells to river management systems, which remain relevant centuries later. “Ahilyabai Holkar’s work reminds us that respecting rivers as living entities is essential for sustainable growth,” said Fadnavis, praising her vision and governance model, on her 300 birth anniversary celebrations and the International Year of Woman Farmer. Harking to the great rulers of the state like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, he said that Ahilyabai Holkar occupies a place among the greatest of sovereigns who took over the reins of the state administration at a very young age after the death of her husband Khanderao Holkar and her father-in-law Malharrao Holkar, the founder of the Holkar Dynasty of central India, with its capital Indore. “After the Mughal invaders damaged temples of Trimbakeshwar, Somnath, Kashi Vishwanath of Rameshwar, she rebuilt them with courage and commitment. Simultaneously, her work in water conservation is important. Even today, the water storage structures built by her are in good condition, and we shall preserve them,” said Fadnavis. Elaborating, he said that Ahilyabai Holksar created a separate stream of River Narmada in Maheshwar for daily use so that the main river could flow clean and unpolluted. She considered rivers as goddesses and mothers, and accorded importance to them including Godavari, Yamuna and others. Dwelling on her social reforms, the CM said she prioritised women’s education and employment through initiatives like the ‘Maheshwari Sari’, established one of the earliest women’s military units, integrated tribal communities into the social mainstream and implemented stringent law-and-order. The yatra was launched with senior ministers like Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, Girish Mahajan, and Chhagan Bhujbal, and others witnessing ceremonial rituals of ‘Kanya Pujan’, the worship of the River Godavari. Spiritual guru Parampujya Gurumauli Annasaheb More of Shri Swami Samarth Seva Kendra, Nashik presided over the event while Yuvraj Maharaj Yeshwant Holkar Bahadur of the Indore royal family and 16 th descendent of Ahilyabai Holkar was also present on the occasion. Water collected from 30 rivers in the state will be carried in ceremonial urns (Kalash) to Maheshwar, the historic capital of Ahilyabai Holkar, and another procession, flagged off by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde, is carrying the sacred soil from her birthplace, Chaundi. The twin yatras shall converge at Shirdi on Sunday, where special cultural, spiritual, and awareness programmes engaging citizens are lined up. Over the next four days, the processions shall traverse through Nashik, Sangamner, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and end on April 29 at Maheshwar on the banks of River Narmada – a significant development in the run-up to next year’s Nashik Kumbh Mela. The state’s push for river interlinking, he said, will play a critical role in addressing regional water disparities and securing long-term water availability. The yatras will see participation of around 500, including Warkaris, youth groups, farmers and volunteers, while water conservation experts, NGOs, and local communities are contributing to make it a platform for awareness, dialogue, and grassroots action. Abode of a Jyotirling Trimbakeshwar in Nashik is revered as the abode of one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The unique feature of this Jyotirling is the Linga in the temple is three-faced embodying the Tridev - Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The River Godavari, often called the Dakshin Ganga, originates from the lush green hills surrounding this picturesque and famed pilgrimage town.
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