By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Rishikesh, 22 Jan: The Chief Minister of Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar, visited the Parmarth Niketan, Ganga Action Parivar, ‘Green Kumbh’ camp in Prayagraj with a focus on the environment and health for all. He was welcomed by Swami Chidanand Saraswati, President of Parmarth Niketan, and Dr Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, Secretary General of Global Interfaith WASH Alliance. They first offered a purnahuti to the beautiful Paush Purnima Vishwa Shanti Yagna in Parmarth’s Yagyashala. A moment of meditation on Ma Ganga honoured the beauty and vibrancy of India’s nature and her waters, significant in this sacred space of the Sangam at Kumbh Mela.
The Swami and Sadhvi gave a tour of the Parmarth Pi-Lo Pani Water Station and Handwashing Station. Highlighting how more than 200 of these systems had been installed throughout the Kumbh, they shared that the innovative systems were part of Parmarth’s ongoing efforts to preserve water and to provide free, clean drinking water to the millions of yatris coming to the Mela. Consistent with the Parmarth camp’s ‘green kumbh’ focus, a discussion followed on the quality of air in India’s cities and the need to be more creative and effective in the reuse of materials. For example, rice husks are often burned, increasing air pollution, whereas now they can and are being used to produce eco-friendly materials, such as agriboard for the building of homes.
Swami said on the occasion, “Our Prime Minister’s goal is every Indian has a good and eco-friendly home. Government culture is focused on homes for everyone, using nature wisely and respecting her entirely, so the future generations have a planet to call home. Agriboard is just one example of the creativity and ingenuity brought to benefit India. We can have a Plan A and a Plan B, but there is only one Planet so all of us must endeavour to keep the planet healthy and thriving.”
CM Khattar commented, “What a beautiful camp you have created. I like the use of jute material for the walls – a very nice idea. The paintings and mantras embrace our culture – all walls can represent our culture – sturdy and supportive.”
