Serving Together to Restore the River Yamuna

Acharya Sri Pundrik Goswamiji returned home to Parmarth Niketan to meet with Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji for lengthy discussions about the success of the Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv – 2016 as well as the great leadership  of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhanji. That leadership is currently being exhibited in Shri Chouhanji’s commitment to restore and rejuvenate the Kshipra and Narmada Rivers through the mass plantation of trees, ending pollution to the rivers, and stopping the practice of open defecation, as well as through the creation of ponds, check dams, and the restoration of existing wetlands and aquifers to restore the groundwater table and conserve water in the river’s catchment.

They also discussed ways in which they could engage and involve all stakeholders for the River Yamuna, including the Ganga Action Parivar (GAP), the forerunner to the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and the planner and initiator of many of the water conservation and preservation measures now being managed by GIWA.  The stakeholders also include Vrindavan’s Revered Saints and eminent Kathakars, who have been encouraged to support and promote the release, restoration and resuscitation of the river’s waters in the outreach to their followers and supporters. Plans were also made to take a sankalp (vow) for Yamuna during the upcoming Ganga Dussehra celebrations at Parmarth Niketan, when a large gathering of saints and interfaith leaders was expected.