The report by Zee News highlights the threat to the Narmada River, the third longest river in India, which is facing a severe crisis. The river's origin at Amarkantak is witnessing significant changes due to construction and deforestation, leading to a decrease in water flow. Local residents and experts express concerns that if the situation does not improve, Amarkantak will face a water crisis. The report also features an interview with Priya Ji Maharaj, the founder of Narmada Mission, who has been on a hunger strike for 250 days to save the Narmada. He emphasizes that the life area of the river, including its banks and forests, is decreasing rapidly, leading to a decrease in the water level. The report concludes that the destruction of rivers, including the Narmada, will have severe consequences for human civilization and that collective efforts are needed to save the rivers.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The Narmada River is the third longest river in India.
2. The Narmada River originates from the Maikal Mountains in Amarkantak.
3. The river travels 1312 kilometers towards the west from its source and meets the Arabian Sea.
4. The Narmada River is the life giver for crores of people and is the lifeline of Madhya Pradesh.
5. The river draws a traditional boundary between North and South India.
6. The water level of the Narmada River has reduced significantly at many places, and in some areas, the river has started drying up.
7. The Narmada River is limited to a stretch of 269 kilometers between the dams built in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
8. The water level of the Narmada River is at a record low.
9. The river's water flow has decreased due to construction and destruction of the forest area around the river.
10. Trees have been cut down in large numbers in the Amarkantak area, causing damage to the environment.
11. The source of the Narmada River is in danger due to the use of explosives and construction work.
12. Sonbhadra River originates from the Maikal Mountains, just half a kilometer from the origin of the Narmada River.
13. The confluence of Son and Bhadra rivers is located in the Amarkantak area.
14. Ten rivers, including the Narmada, Sonbhadra, and Ganga, originate from the Amarkantak area.
15. The Narmada River is facing a crisis due to the destruction of its life-giving area, which includes the banks of the river, sanctuaries, and forests.
16. The water storage area of the Narmada River is decreasing rapidly due to the destruction of trees and plants.
17. Human civilization has developed on the banks of rivers, including the Narmada.
18. Bhaiya Ji Maharaj, the founder of Narmada Mission, has been agitating to save the Narmada River by giving up food for 260 days.