A massive cleanliness drive was held at the historic Sangram Sagar pond on Monday on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra. The programme was organised under the Jal Ganga Sanvardhan Abhiyan being run as per State Government directives. State Public Works Department Minister Rakesh Singh led the shramdaan drive. Collector Raghavendra Singh, Municipal Commissioner Ram Prakash Ahirwar, a large number of public representatives, officials, employees and local citizens participated with full enthusiasm and dedication. On the occasion, PWD Minister Singh addressed the gathering and praised Jabalpurians for their extraordinary participation. He said the turnout has proved that if society commits to a cause, nothing is impossible. He said the shramdaan carried out to protect the city’s natural heritage and glorified water body is a deeply fulfilling act. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi’, Minister Singh said Sangram Sagar will be developed as a beautiful tourism and cultural destination by combining it with modern development.

 

Singh then shared an ambitious blueprint for the future of Sangram Sagar. He said a complete plan for transformation of the area in front of the pond has been prepared. The district administration and the Jabalpur Municipal Corporation have already started work on it. In a major announcement, Singh said a modern, well organised and attractive food zone will be developed alike Indore’s famous ‘56 Dukan’ area, which is known across the country for its taste and reputation. He said the new food zone will give the area a unique identity. To give this new space a distinctive name, the Minister suggested it should be linked to the sacred memory of Veerangana Rani Durgavati. He proposed names such as ‘Rani Ki Gali’ or ‘Rani Ki Rasoi’. He also made a heartfelt appeal to the citizens and intellectuals of Jabalpur to suggest more beautiful and meaningful names for this ambitious project. During the programme, the entire pond premises were cleaned thoroughly. The drive sent a strong message to society about the importance of conserving water sources.