Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh): Chief Minister Mohan Yadav participated in the Bawdi Utsav held under the Jal Ganga Conservation Campaign at the historic Lakshman Bawdi located within the premises of Chintaman Ganesh Temple in Ujjain.
On this occasion, he released the book Boond Saheje Bawdi, emphasizing the importance of traditional water structures. He also planted a sindoor sapling under the ongoing campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (One Tree in Mother's Name).
Yadav also stated that with the blessings of Lord Chintaman Ganesh, the state and the nation are achieving new milestones of development. He highlighted that the recently held Ujjain Wellness Summit attracted investment proposals worth thousands of crores and that Ujjain is emerging as a global hub for mental peace, spirituality, and wellness care.
Yadav emphasised about the preparations for Simhastha 2028, mentioning that work is underway on the new Ujjain-Indore four-lane highway to facilitate pilgrim movement. He also announced the planned upgradation of Chintaman Ganesh Railway Station and mentioned the Kanh Closed Duct Project and Sewarkhedi-Silarkhedi Project, which aim to ensure a clean, pure, and flowing Maa Kshipra River for the sacred Simhastha bathing rituals.
New ghats are being constructed to improve facilities for devotees visiting from across India and abroad.
The Chief Minister added that under the inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a state-wide Jal Ganga Conservation Campaign is being conducted from March 30 to June 30, focusing on water conservation, rejuvenation of water structures, and raising groundwater levels to ensure every drop is preserved.
Bawdi Utsav: A Celebration of Traditional Water Wisdom
As per the Jan Abhiyan Parishad, the Bawdi Utsav is reviving ancient stepwells through public participation by restoring their pathways, lighting, cleaning, beautification, and enabling water flow. Traditional rituals are also performed post-restoration to spread awareness about the cultural, social, and historical significance of stepwells and the importance of water conservation.
Under the leadership of Mohan Yadav and the efforts of the Parishad, the campaign has seen participation from over 36.34 lakh citizens. The Parishad has carried out Cleaning of 2,139 stepwells (bawdis), Cleaning of 4,254 ponds, Cleaning of 3,468 riverbanks, Organization of 15,913 water seminars, 1,677 street plays and Wall paintings to spread water awareness as part of the campaign.
Yadav inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp and performed the traditional worship of Lakshman Bawdi. The program was conducted by Piyush Tripathi, and the vote of thanks was presented by Divisional Coordinator Shivprasad Malviya.
MP Anil Firojia, Vice President of Jan Abhiyan Parishad Mohan Nagar, MLA Anil Jain Kaluheda, Municipal Council Chairperson Kalawati Yadav, public representatives Sanjay Agrawal, Ravi Solanki, Chintaman Ganesh Temple Administrator Abhishek Sharma, priest Rajesh Guru, Executive Director of Jan Abhiyan Parishad Bakul Lad, Member Ajita Parmar, District Coordinator Devendra Sharma, and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
