Marathon & dolphin safari mark Water Day

Varanasi: A series of events was organised in Varanasi to mark World Water Day on Saturday. World Water Day is held to draw attention to importance of freshwater and to advocate for sustainable management of their sources.A marathon, ‘Run for Clean Ganga', was organised under the joint auspices of the Sankat Mochan Foundation and Mothers for Mother, while forest department celebrated ‘World Water Day' and ‘Earth Hour' at Dhakwa Ghat with NGO Dolphin Friends, local residents and tourists. ‘Dolphin Safari' was also inaugurated on the occasion.‘Run for Clean Ganga' saw enthusiastic participation from residents and foreigners, running from Bhainsasur Ghat (Rajghat) to Tulsi Ghat, a distance of 6 kms. The involvement of women, children and senior citizens boosted awareness about Ganga purification. In the men's category, Abhishek Yadav finished first in 16minutes, 10 seconds, Sandeep Pal second in 16minutes11 seconds and Sandeep Yadav third place in 16minutes, 14 seconds. In the women's category, Rebi Pal finished first in 20 minutes 20 seconds, Soni Devi second in 20 minutes 23 seconds and Sakshi Singh third place in 20 minutes 58 seconds. Additionally, 50 consolation prizes were awarded in both categories. A notable feature of the marathon was participation of senior citizens, with Ganga Sagar finishing first, Rajbali second, V P Singh third and Pyare Lal fourth.The marathon at Bhainsasur Ghat was flagged off by ayush minister Dayashankar Mishra Dayalu, chief development officer Himanshu Nagpal, foundation president Prof Vishwambharnath Mishra, international runner Neelu Mishra, former SAI football coach Farman Haider, former SAI athlete coach Dinesh Jaiswal and Prof Ram Mohan Pathak. At the closing ceremony at Tulsi Ghat, Mothers for Mother president Abha Mishra emphasised crucial role of women in society and said they had united for the mission of clean Ganga and to bring about public awareness. Foundation director Prof S N Upadhyay stressed need to connect with the Ganga. Dayashankar Mishra said Mother Ganga was now flowing clean and free, as a result of public awareness. Labour minister Anil Rajbhar recalled initiating efforts for the purity of the Ganga during his tenure as UP home guard minister in 2017, which were now bearing fruit.The forest department's event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of water and energy conservation. The ‘Dolphin Safari' was inaugurated by Ravi Kumar Singh, forest conservator of Varanasi Circle. He emphasised the increased efforts to protect the Gangetic Dolphin in the region and introduced the safari to educate the public on dolphin conservation. DFO Swati urged the public to conserve water and energy.