Gangavathi (Koppal): Rajshree Chaudhary, the great-grand niece of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, expressed concern that the historically significant Tungabhadra River is under threat due to pollution. “May this Jal Yajna from the land of Hanuman serve as a model for the nation,” she expressed hope.Speaking while inaugurating the third phase of the foot march organised as part of the Clean Tungabhadra Movement’s public awareness and water awareness campaign on the premises of Prasanna Pampapati Temple at Hirejantakal here on Saturday, she wished that the Kishkinda region, which is associated with the Ramayana, should embody the will of Hanuman and become an example for the country in protecting rivers.Explaining the important role of rivers in protecting the environment, Rajashree said excessive use of plastic could lead to a situation where the entire human race could perish.Basavaraj Veerapur, convener of the Rashtriya Swabhimani Andolan in Delhi, said: “There were more than 15,800 rivers in the country earlier. Out of these, over time, due to various reasons, more than 6,000 water bodies and rivers have disappeared.”Expressing concern that the Tungabhadra River in Karnataka is in a very dangerous condition, he said. “Experts have reported that the water of this river is not even fit for drinking,” he added.Mahima Patel, former Koppal MPs K Virupakshappa and S Sivaramagowda, former MLA Paranna Munavalli, Padayatra ambassador Lalitharani Srirangadevaralayalu, Dayananda Swamiji of Hampi Gayatri Peetha and several other dignitaries participated.The foot march will cross 9 taluks of Koppal, Ballari and Raichur districts and will conclude in Mantralaya on Jan 4.
