Two-month Kshipra purification campaign begins in Dewas

Indore: Ahead of Ujjain Simhastha 2028, a two-month large-scale special campaign was launched in Dewas on Friday, for purification of the Kshipra River with public participation. "Dewas draws water from the Kshipra River, and everyone is dependent on it," collector Rituraj Singh said adding, it is everyone's responsibility to keep life-giving Kshipra Mata (river) clean. "Special cleanliness drives will be conducted in all villages through which the Kshipra River flows in the district. Citizens will be made aware of the importance of not polluting the river. Various departments have also been assigned responsibilities for the purification efforts," he said.Work is underway to conserve all water sources, including rivers, ponds, stepwells and wells under the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan in the district. "Amrit Sarovars (ponds) are also being constructed in the district as part of this campaign, which will run until June 30," Singh said.In Dewas, Kshipra flows through 20 villages, covering around a 60 km stretch. Dewas Municipal Corporation has deployed inspectors and sub-inspectors for the its purification drive. Earthmoving machines, dumpers, and tractor-trailers have also been provided by the corporation, along with hand gloves, masks, caps, refreshments, and drinking water for the officials, employees, and public representatives present at the event.On the first day of the initiative, a significant number of people, including MP Mahendra Singh Solanki, mayor Geeta Agarwal, collector Singh and SP Punit Gehlod, gathered at Kshipra Ghat and participated in voluntary labour (shram daan). Following the cleaning of the Kshipra Ghat, public representatives and officials offered prayers and took pledge of river cleanliness. A two-minute silence was also observed to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in Pahalgam terrorist attack.