Continuous efforts being made for rejuvenation of Yamuna: Delhi CM
New Delhi (PTI): Cleaning the Yamuna is no longer merely a government programme but a people's movement, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Sunday while inspecting a clean-up drive at the ITO Chhath Ghat.
The chief minister claimed the Delhi government is carrying out the Yamuna clean-up campaign at a war footing, in a phased, scientific and well-planned manner.
Continuous efforts are being made for the rejuvenation of the Yamuna by strengthening the disposal of silt and other materials, waste management, sewage treatment, biological treatment and monitoring systems, she asserted.
Gupta said the Yamuna is a lifeline of the Indian civilisation, and its cleanliness reflects the collective commitment of society.
She appreciated the efforts of the volunteers of the Culture Youth Foundation which organised the cleaning drive and described the active participation of citizens, youth and personnel of the Yamuna Task Force (137 CETF Battalion, Territorial Army) as inspiring.
Voluntary participation of a large number of people in the Yamuna cleanliness campaign, even on a Sunday, reflects growing public awareness and commitment towards the cause, she said.
Emphasised the role of young people, the chief minister said the participation of youth is the greatest strength behind any meaningful social and environmental transformation.
She asserted that keeping the Yamuna clean is not only the responsibility of the government but a collective moral responsibility towards future generations.
She further said the Delhi government will extend all possible support to public participation-based initiatives for environmental protection, asserting that sustainable and positive change is possible only when society and government work together.
Appealing to citizens to maintain sustained awareness, discipline and participation for the conservation and cleanliness of the Yamuna, she said a clean Yamuna will emerge as the symbol of a clean, healthy and empowered Delhi.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
