‘Goda to Narmada’ Jal Yatra Will Spread a New Message of Water Conservation Across the Country – Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Launch of ‘Goda to Narmada Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Jal Yatra 2026’ at Chondi

Ahilyanagar, April 2026 : Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed confidence that the ‘Goda to Narmada’ Jal Yatra will deliver a new message of water conservation not only across the state but throughout the country. He said the journey is not merely geographical, but also spiritual and cultural, honoring history, heritage, and public sentiment while promoting environmental awareness and the importance of water conservation.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Goda to Narmada Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Jal Yatra 2026’ held at Shri Kshetra Chondi in Jamkhed taluka.

The event was attended by Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde, MP Ramrao Wadkute, MLAs Kashinath Date, Vitthal Langhe, Amol Khatale, former MP Dr. Sujay Vikhe Patil, District Collector Dr. Pankaj Ashiya, Zilla Parishad CEO Anand Bhandari, Water Resources Department Secretary Sanjay Belsare, Superintending Engineer Alka Ahirrao, along with several dignitaries, saints, officials, and citizens.

Deputy Chief Minister Shinde said that while Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ignited the spirit of Hindavi Swarajya, Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar expanded it through her work. Her governance was marked by good administration, women’s empowerment, public welfare, water management, heritage conservation, and nation-building. Through her 29-year rule, she set an example of a welfare-oriented state. He highlighted her contributions such as water conservation, construction of dharamshalas, renovation of temples, building river ghats, fair taxation systems, and providing support to farmers and traders.

He further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several schemes are being implemented to enhance women’s self-reliance and dignity. The state government is also committed to welfare and development. In the last four years, 223 irrigation projects worth approximately ₹4.25 lakh crore have been approved, which will bring around 3.2 million hectares under irrigation.

He added that the government is focusing on water supply through the Marathwada Water Grid, river rejuvenation, diverting water to drought-prone areas, and conserving religious and historical sites.

Commitment to Carry Forward the Legacy of Water Conservation – Prof. Ram Shinde

Prof. Ram Shinde said that Ahilyadevi Holkar’s work highlights the importance of water conservation. The Jal Yatra aims to revive her legacy and bring about positive social change. Starting from her birthplace, the journey is expected to create widespread awareness about water conservation.

He noted that her governance reflected strong welfare values, with several water conservation projects still in good condition today. He stressed the need for agricultural development, strengthening the rural economy, and environmental conservation in current times.

Through the ‘Jalyukt Shivar’ campaign, around 6.5 lakh works have been completed in nearly 22,000 villages, helping make many areas water-scarcity-free. In the context of climate change and challenges like El Niño, he emphasized the importance of judicious water use and tree conservation.

The program began with a ceremonial launch of the yatra from Chondi in the presence of dignitaries. Sacred soil from the land associated with Ahilyadevi Holkar and holy water from the Sina River were worshipped, and the journey proceeded towards Maheshwar carrying ceremonial water pots.

It was also informed that another leg of the yatra will commence from Trimbakeshwar on April 25, 2026, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis carrying sacred water from the origin of the Godavari River. The yatra will pass through Nashik, Sinnar, Sangamner, Shirdi, and other locations. Both yatras will merge on the third day and proceed via Sambhajinagar to Grishneshwar, followed by a halt at Dhule, and will conclude at Maheshwar on April 29, 2026, where the ceremonial water will be received by the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh.