Powerlifter Gaurav Sharma leads Yamuna ghats clean-up drive

New Delhi: World champion powerlifter-turned-shooter Gaurav Sharma Mahant spearheaded a cleanliness drive at the Yamuna ghats in the National Capital on Sunday, aiming to raise awareness about the environmental issues affecting the river. The event was organized as part of an ongoing campaign to highlight the importance of cleaning and preserving the Yamuna, which has long been a vital source of life for millions in Delhi.

Speaking to reporters, Sharma emphasized the significance of the Yamuna, comparing it to the Ganga. He urged Delhiites to come together and contribute to the cleanliness cause. "When we were cleaning the ghats, we found several idols thrown by people and also beer bottles," he noted, expressing his disappointment over the situation. Sharma further stated that it was disheartening to see the river, which is regarded as sacred and revered, being treated in such a disrespectful manner. "We say Yamuna is like a mother to us, and then we treat her like this. It is high time that people take the initiative of cleaning Yamuna," he added.

The cleanliness drive saw participation from several individuals, including Acharya Tushar Katyan, Acharya Nitin Sharma, Acharya Ankit Goswami, Acharya Mukesh Shukla, Tarun Verma, Rajiv Gupta, Ajay Kashyap, Chetan Gupta, Abhinandan Yadav, and Sunil. The event was organized under the banner of the Pingaksh Foundation, with Gaurav Sharma leading the effort on the ghats.

This is not the first time Sharma has contributed to social causes. Last year, he helped distribute food items and water bottles to flood-affected people in Delhi, where several areas were submerged after the Yamuna’s water levels rose due to heavy rainfall. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Gaurav, who is also a Mahant at a temple in Chandni Chowk, had previously supported the homeless by distributing food supplies.

With IANS inputs