3 Lakh Citizens Join Maharashtra's Maha Walkathon

More than three lakh citizens participated in the ‘Maha Walkathon – Walk for Water’ organised across all 36 districts of Maharashtra.

The event was aimed at spreading awareness about soil conservation, water management and the importance of public participation in water conservation efforts.

Soil and Water Conservation Minister Sanjay Rathod said that water conservation is not merely a government responsibility but an issue directly linked to the future of every citizen.

The walkathon was inaugurated at Worli in Mumbai, with citizens from all 36 districts participating simultaneously. Students, youth, women, farmers, government employees, college students and members of various social groups took part in the event.

The participation of young people was particularly significant, the minister said.

The state is implementing several water conservation initiatives, including Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan 2.0, ‘Galmukt Dharan, Galyukt Shivar’, Amrit Sarovar and the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchay Yojana.

The ‘Walk for Water’ served as an effective platform to create awareness about these schemes and encourage greater public participation in conservation activities.

Rathod stressed the need for citizens to actively participate in rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, protection of water bodies and prevention of soil erosion.

The state is also implementing a ‘Water Conservation Campaign’ from August 15, 2026, to January 26, 2027, which will focus on watershed development, revival of water sources, desilting, groundwater recharge and soil conservation.

Rathod appealed to citizens to carry the message of water conservation beyond the one-day event and take it to every village and household.

Saving soil means protecting agriculture, while conserving water means securing the future of coming generations, Rathod said, urging people to join hands with the government to tackle the issue.

The massive participation in the walkathon is expected to provide fresh momentum to the state’s water conservation efforts and make them more effective and sustainable.

In the end, the success of the ‘Maha Walkathon – Walk for Water’ will depend on the continued participation and awareness of the citizens of Maharashtra, and their willingness to make water conservation a people’s movement.