Call to 'enjoy' pilgrimage of Sabarmati beyond Ahmedabad, where river water turns black

Sabarmati at Vautha

Nagrik Sashaktikaran Manch (NSM), a Gujarat-based civil rights organization, has called upon the state's citizens to join in a "unique yatra" along the river Sabarmati, starting in Ahmedabad and ending off the Gulf of Khambhat, where the river is supposed to merge with the sea. Pointing out that in Hindu culture, rivers are equated with Mother Goddess, NSM convener Jatin Seth says, it will be a "special event of pilgrimage", because, just like Ganga, Sarbarmati possesses "special properties."
"Starting at Giaspur, one can see how industries are releasing chemicals in Sabarmati, and you get a Thumbs-Up like colour of the water, and if you drink it, you are sure to be at least affected by cancer, and this way would enable you to book your ticket in the paradise. The river has a special smell, too, emanating from a black cocktail-type colour", says Seth in a statement.

A village next to Sabarmati river

Insisting that this would be occasion for "unique darshan", Seth says, "You can come to join the yatra on any vehicle. It could be a bycycle, a bike or a scooter, or even a car. Citizens who cannot join the whole trip can join at least for a day, for 24 hours, from morning to evening, or even a few hours. Along the river, citizens would converse with villagers, and get information about the river, how it has influenced their social life, agriculture and health."
Asking "devotees" to take a dip at Vauthua, a village just ahead of the mouth of the river, Seth says, the unique programme "will start from December 2, at Giaspur, which is situated next to Vasna Barrage, at 8.00 am, and end on December 9. "It is spectacular yatra, indeed. Friends of the media can also join in", he adds, even as giving his mobile number for contact (9427616578), on which one could WhatsApp, or email to nagrikmanch2018@gmail.com or shethjatin1950@gmail.com.

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