A successful conclusion of ‘Khadakwasla Water Reservoir Protection Drive’ at Pune

• Spontaneous response by citizens to the Khadakwasla Water Reservoir Protection Drive

• Initiative taken by HJS, its ‘Ranaragini’ Division, the local administration, residents of Khadakwasla and other like-minded organisations

• Awareness created by forming a human chain

• It was the 22nd year of the drive to prevent likely pollution of the water reservoir on the occasion of ‘Dhulivandan’ and ‘Rang-Panchami’

Pune : ‘The Khadakwasla Water Reservoir Protection Drive’ jointly undertaken by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS), its ‘Ranaragini’ Division, and other like-minded organisations was successfully concluded on 30th March 2024. This was the 22nd year of the drive. All participants expressed gratitude to God for the success of the drive and felt that only due to God’s resolve, the drive was being undertaken successfully for so many years.  Presently, the total water storage in 26 dams in the Pune District is 56.31 TMC, which is only 28.39% of the total potable water. It is, therefore, imperative to protect the dams from every kind of pollution. Against this background, the drive undertaken by HJS was important. For the last 22 years, HJS has been constantly creating awareness amongst people about the science of celebrating Hindu festivals, which has led to a considerable decrease in malpractices in celebrating ‘Dhulivandan’ and ‘Rang-Panchami’ and prevention of likely pollution of water reservoirs.

Huge response to the drive from people since it is in their interest

Devout Hindus and other citizens extended help as much as they could, even in the preparations for creating a human chain around the Khadakwasla Dam. All HJS activists have been protecting the water reservoir for the past 22 years on these festivals by standing in the severe heat as they form a human chain. The drive has been receiving huge response and is successful due to the awareness created through ‘Dharmashikshan’ classes and since it is in the interest of the people.

Conclusion of the drive

Devout Hindus and other participating organisations resolve to protect the reservoir

Activists of HJS, other young men and women join ‘The Khadakwasla Water Reservoir Protection Drive’ and guard the reservoir. The drive is commendable as it prevents water pollution. The participating organisations and devout Hindus made a resolve to undertake similar drives for the protection of the environment and culture on different occasions throughout the year which is the biggest outcome of HJS activities.

Cooperation by Police and local administration

Police extended cooperation to this drive while patrolling the area around the dam in Khadakwasla. They praised HJS drive. Some of them visited the exhibition held at the venue of the drive about various attacks faced by Hindus. The Irrigation Department displayed a hoarding about the restrictions imposed on going into the dam to play with colours. HJS thanked the Department for its cooperation.

Highlights

• More than 150 devout Hindus came from different parts of Pune to participate in the drive.
• Many dignitaries who visited the venue praised the drive.
• A few devout Hindus joined the drive when they were explained the objective of the drive.
• Around 50 people including students and teachers from ‘The Jadhavar Institute of Nursing’ joined the drive for 2 hours. They joined the human chain and explained the objective of the drive to people.