Summary:
Surat, Dec 26 (PTI) The Gujarat government on Sunday launched "Nadi Utsav", or river festival, to honour rivers for their contribution to the development of the state as well as to raise awareness about their protection.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel participated in a state-level launch function at a weir-cum-causeway on Tapi river here, where he worshipped Goddess Tapi with Vedic rituals, said a government release.
The state government is committed to building a riverfront on the Tapi river in Surat, Patel said at the function, organised as part of "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav", being celebrated across the country, to honour rivers, said the release.
Quoting CM Patel, the release said the "Nadi Utsav" is "an attempt to revive the glorious culture scattered along the rivers." "Our rivers are a silent witness to the unparalleled development of the state.
Rivers are the only source of pure fresh water for many species, including humans.
It is our duty to preserve life-giving rivers to protect the environment for our future generations," the CM said on the occasion.