CM, Dy CM launch ‘Goda-Narmada’ Jal Yatra for drought-free Maha

Nashik: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday launched the ‘Goda to Narmada Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Jal Yatra 2026' on Ahilyabai Holkar's 300th birth anniversary.The yatra aims to transform Maharashtra into a drought-free state through public awareness and water-grid projects.Launching the yatra from Trimbakeshwar in Nashik district, CM Fadnavis said, "Drawing lessons from Ahilyabai Holkar's measures for water conservation, state govt has decided to adopt them and implement river-linking projects to ensure the state is drought-free."The CM flagged the Goda-Narmada yatra from Trimbakeshwar in Nashik and Dy CM Eknath Shinde launched it from Chondi in Ahilyanagar, otherwise the birthplace of Ahilyabai Holkar by. They will meet in Shirdi on Sunday.Here, urns filled with water from 30 rivers across the state will join the yatra before it travels to Ghrushneshwar Temple in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar the next day and then to Dhule before culminating at Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh.Fadnavis further stated that during this Kumbh Mela, the state has planned to ensure that Godavari river is converted into a clean water body. "We will have clean Godavari flowing all times of the year in Trimbakeshwar in the interest of the pilgrims coming here round the year. Govt also has decided to rejuvenate the wells, step wells created by Ahilyabai Holkar during her times."During a similar programme at Chondi, Dy CM Shinde described the journey as more than geographical, calling it an emotional and spiritual movement."If Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj lit the flame of Hindavi Swarajya, Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar expanded it through her work," Shinde said.He noted that the govt has approved 223 irrigation projects worth Rs4.25 lakh crore over four years to bring 32 lakh hectares under irrigation.The journey will conclude on April 29 in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh, the riverside town was turned into the capital of the Holkar Administration and Ahilyabai Holkar carved out a separate stream allowing water for daily use to ensure the main river remains clean.