Trimbakeshwar: Adhering to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi’ (Heritage as well as Development), Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the ‘Goda to Narmada’ Jalyatra and Kalash Pujan ceremony. Organized by the Water Resources Department, the initiative commemorates the 300th birth anniversary year of Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar.

Speaking at the event, CM Fadnavis hailed Ahilyadevi Holkar as an exemplary ruler whose pioneering work in water conservation continues to inspire modern efforts to ensure no region suffers from drou

The Chief Minister emphasized that Ahilyadevi Holkar’s contributions—ranging from women’s education and employment to sustainable development—remain unparalleled.

“Through the ‘Goda to Narmada’ initiative, we are striving to carry forward her legacy of water conservation. Our goal is to establish a system of ‘Nirmal Godavari, Avirat Godavari’ (Pure and Continuous Godavari) in the coming days,” Fadnavis stated.

The CM also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing all ongoing water conservation projects and unveiled a documentary based on the life of Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar.

Key Highlights and Dignitaries

During the event, the Chief Minister unveiled the logo for the ‘Unnat Nashik Abhiyan’, a mission envisioned by Minister Girish Mahajan.

The ceremony saw the presence of several high-profile dignitaries, including:

• Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Minister for Water Resources

• Param Pujya Gurumauli Shri Annasaheb More

• Chhagan Bhujbal, Cabinet Minister

• Girish Mahajan, Minister

• Ravindra Chavan, BJP Maharashtra State President

• Yuvraj Yashwantrao Holkar, descendant of the Holkar family

A Movement for Cultural and Ecological Unity

Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil welcomed the guests, praising PM Modi’s leadership and echoing the CM’s vision of a drought-free Maharashtra.

Chief Minister Fadnavis noted that just as river-linking projects physically connect water bodies, this Jalyatra aims to unite public sentiment, society, and culture. The primary objective of the march is to raise awareness about water conservation and promote modern water-saving technologies.

The Jalyatra was simultaneously flagged off from Ahilyadevi’s birthplace, Chondi, by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar. The journey will culminate in Shirdi. As part of the ceremony, CM Fadnavis performed the Narmada Pujan using water collected from 30 holy rivers across the state, describing the event not merely as symbolic, but as a widespread “people’s movements