The central government has recently announced that it would rejuvenate 13 major rivers in the country. The project would work based on the recommendations in the Draft Policy Recommendation (DPR) of the Rally for Rivers (RfR) movement, a campaign headed by Sadhguru, the founder of Isha Foundation.
Rejuvenating 13 major rivers
According to the Ministry for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, the “rejuvenation” of 13 major rivers will be done, which could increase the country’s forest cover by up to 7,417.36 square kilometers. The Centre plans to put Rs 19,000–crore on the project.
These ‘forestry’ would prevent 50.21 million tonnes of CO2–equal in 10–year–old plantations and 74.76 million tonnes CO2–equal in 20–year–old plantations.
This will result in recharge of groundwater, reduce sedimentation, generate Rs 449.01 crores from non-timber and other forest produce as well as employ 344 million man-days.
The 13 rivers that are planned to rejuvenate are the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Luni, Narmada, Godavari, Mahanadi, Krishna, and Cauvery funded by the National Afforestation & Eco-development Board, (MoEF&CC).
Sadhguru’s response
Responding to Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s congratulatory message on the Centre’s initiative to rejuvenate 13 major rivers in the country, Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat thanked the spiritual leader and said, “Your vision, guidance and all-inclusive approach towards ecology is an inspiration”.
“Thank you, @SadhguruJV. The recommendations in the DPRs are aligned with the policy recommendations of @rallyforrivers. Your vision, guidance and all-inclusive approach towards ecology is an inspiration,” Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said in a tweet.
With your blessings Shri @SadhguruJV ji, the govt led by PM Shri @narendramodi ji will leave no stone unturned in maintaining the golden mean between development and environment. https://t.co/eDKloyynxe
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) March 15, 2022
In his tweet welcoming the Centre’s decision, Sadhguru had said, “Congratulations, Hon’ble Ministers on this most timely & welcome initiative to #RallyforRivers- treasures that must be revitalized & restored to their full glory. Forestry interventions will ensure our rivers remain perennial. Best Wishes & Blessings.”
Congratulations, Hon’ble Ministers on this most timely & welcome initiative to #RallyforRivers– treasures that must be revitalized & restored to their full glory. Forestry interventions will ensure our rivers remain perennial. Best Wishes & Blessings. –Sg @byadavbjp @gssjodhpur https://t.co/vHtHqHIWtw
— Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) March 15, 2022
