Thousands Join Maha Walkathon in Palghar for Water and Soil Conservation
Thousands of citizens, students, and government officials gathered at Hutatma Stambh at Panchbatti in Palghar on Friday to participate in the 'Maha Walkathon - Walk for Water', organised to mark Water Conservation Day.
The three-kilometre walkathon was held to observe the birth anniversary of former Maharashtra Chief Minister late Sudhakarrao Naik. The initiative focused on spreading awareness about water and soil conservation under the broader campaign for a drought-free Maharashtra.
The march commenced at Hutatma Stambh at Panchbatti, proceeded along Mahim Road up to the Swami Samarth Math, and returned along the same route. Participants carried placards bearing water conservation messages and raised slogans to engage local residents throughout the route.
The campaign highlighted the central message, “Let us conserve every drop of water and build a drought-free Maharashtra.” Organisers and participants emphasised the importance of harvesting rainwater, enabling groundwater percolation, and protecting natural water resources from depletion.
The event also underscored the necessity of public participation in achieving long-term water security. Participants took a pledge to adopt water conservation and soil protection practices in their daily routines to help secure water resources for future generations.
Several senior administrative and departmental officials took part in the march, including Chief Executive Officer Manoj Ranade, Resident Deputy Collector Subhash Bagade, Soil and Water Conservation Executive Engineer Farid Khan, and Deputy Collector Vijaya Jadhav.
They were joined by Sub-Divisional Officer (Soil and Water Conservation) Sanjay Kachare, Public Works Department Executive Engineer Mahendra Kini, Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran Executive Engineer Mr. Mule, and Water Conservation Officer Ravindra Koti, alongside employees from various government departments, school students, and representatives from local social organisations.
