Earth Day: Pledge to Save Every Drop of Water

Environmental responsibility took center stage during Earth Day celebrations in Prayagraj on Wednesday. Participants at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, including environmentalists and social workers, made a collective pledge to conserve water. The event, organized by Mangal Bhoomi Foundation, featured symbolic 'Jalabhishek' through pit digging to promote water conservation.

Swami Chidanand Saraswati, leading the initiative, urged attendees to treat Earth Day as the planet's 'birthday,' emphasizing decisive action over mere symbolism. He underscored the vital importance of water conservation, stating, "if there is water, there is future." He also stressed that devotion and pollution are incompatible, advocating for tree planting along riverbanks.

Renowned environmentalist Anil Prakash Joshi reinforced the necessity of both water and trees for life. He suggested that alongside planting trees, people should also 'plant water' by conserving it through methods like rainwater harvesting via small pits, which can help revive natural water sources and ecosystems.

Ram Babu Tiwari, the programme coordinator, announced plans to expand the water conservation campaign launched in Prayagraj nationwide. He appealed for broad community involvement in digging pits for rainwater conservation, presenting it as an effective solution to the escalating water crisis. Other speakers echoed concerns about river pollution and the critical role of public participation in maintaining clean waterways.