Governor Shukla Launches Giri Ganga the sacred Water Source Restoration Campaign
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today launched a water source restoration campaign at Giri Ganga, located at an altitude of about 9,000 feet in Jubbal sub-division of Shimla district. The Governor participated in a cleanliness drive and emphasized the importance of forest and water conservation as part of broader environmental protection efforts. He also planted a chinar sapling in the temple complex, symbolizing a commitment to preserving nature.
The cleanliness drive was organized under the aegis of the Home Guards, Civil Defence, Fire Services, and SDRF, in collaboration with local Mahila Mandals. The Governor presented saplings to the Mahila Mandals and encouraged them to actively participate in maintaining traditional water bodies in their respective panchayats.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor called upon women’s groups to contribute significantly to environmental conservation and the fight against substance abuse. He stressed that women play a pivotal role in both these areas. “Water is the source of life, and we must ensure its purity and continuity,” he said. Highlighting the spiritual and cultural significance of Giri Ganga, he described it as a heritage site deeply intertwined with faith, forests and the land.
Shri Shukla emphasized the urgent need to protect and revive traditional water sources like Giri Ganga amidst the growing challenges of climate change and depleting natural resources. “Such water sources are not just environmental assets, but sacred legacies that must be preserved for future generations,” he remarked.
He lauded the proactive role of the Home Guards, Civil Defence, Fire Services and SDRF in addressing environmental concerns, noting that these organizations are traditionally associated with emergency response but are now setting an example in ecological preservation.
“In a hill state like Himachal Pradesh, traditional water sources have sustained communities for centuries. Sadly, modernization and urbanization have led to their neglect. It is time to revive them,” the Governor said. He urged the local communities, especially the youth to pledge their commitment to protect trees and water sources. “Water conservation must become a people’s movement not just a government initiative,” he added.
Earlier, Additional Director General of Police and Commandant General of Home Guards, Civil Defence and Fire Services Satwant Atwal welcomed the Governor and informed that under the first phase of the campaign, 950 traditional water bodies have been identified. Of these, 236 have already been cleaned by the 74 companies and 14 training centers of the department. Giri Ganga marks the 237 water source in this initiative. She appreciated the Mahila Mandals for their pivotal role in identifying and maintaining these water sources and stated that women would act as “monitors” to ensure these sites remain clean and functional.
Secretary to the Governor C.P. Verma, Panchayat representatives, members of Mahila Mandals, Commandant Home Guards Kuldeep Kapil, Superintendent of SDRF Arjit Sen, President Giri Ganga Eco-Tourism Society Lokpal Sharkholi and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.
