North India Statesman
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Mumbai: Some river activists from Mumbai joined the marathon in Ladakh with the message of saving mountains and rivers. They ran for 21 km in a temperature of three to seven degrees at an altitude of 17 thousand feet. Members of River March Mumbai reached Ladakh to raise slogans to save mountains and rivers. Considering this marathon of the highest peaks of India as a tough test of physical ability and endurance, they called for saving the Himalayas, Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Vindhyas and other mountains and hills of India.
Giving information about this, Gopal Javeri, Chairman of River March-Mumbai, told 'Gujarat Samachar' that Gopal Javeri further said that 'As a common citizen and nature lover, I and Pushparaj Shetty started the journey from India Gate in Delhi. The number of natural trees and mountains is also decreasing from Manali to Le. During this 21 km marathon started in Ladakh, we participated by risking our lives in 3 to 7 degree cold weather. To participate in this marathon, one has to first pass two qualifying rounds in Mumbai. During this marathon, we met famous environmentalist and 'Three Idiots' fame Sonam Wangchuk. We discussed with him the measures to save the mountains and the impact of unplanned development on human life. After completing the marathon, I finally fell on the road as my blood pressure and oxygen level dropped.
He further said that the existence of our rivers depends on these mountains. Ganga, Yamuna, Indus and Brahmaputra originate from the Himalayas, while Krishna and Godavari rivers originate from the Western Ghats. Unfortunately, our rivers are struggling to survive due to destruction in the mountains. 'We have seen devastating floods in Uttarakhand and the Himalayas in recent years and changing climate patterns are affecting other regions of the country. From Pakistan to Bangladesh, the Himalayas are responsible for feeding 50% of the world's population. However, development projects such as roads, airports, city infrastructure and dams are damaging our mountains and rivers which ultimately affects our forests and human life. Our national anthem says, 'Vidya Himachal Yamuna Ganga… Aa Rashtra Aa Rivers do not exist without them.
