Fadnavis calls for balancing heritage with development, cites Ahilyabai Holkar's legacy

The Maharashtra government announced the 'Goda to Narmada' pilgrimage, described as a program to promote water conservation. The initiative is implemented from April 25 to 29, 2026, and involves a five-day procession collecting water from 30 river basins, focusing on water conservation, water management, and honouring Ahilyabai Holkar’s legacy of constructing river ghats and temples to improve public awareness and river stewardship.

In a Saturday address in Nashik, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated the government is drawing inspiration from Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar to shape its development agenda, with a focus on water conservation and rural transformation. He compared Ahilyabai to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as among the greatest rulers, noting she took charge at a young age after Malharrao Holkar's death and advanced the kingdom with determination. He highlighted her reconstruction of religious sites damaged during Mughal invasions, her extensive water conservation work including wells and stepwells, and the government’s plan to preserve these structures. He praised her river management approach, citing the creation of a separate Narmada stream in Maheshwar for daily use to keep the main river clean, and her view of rivers as mothers and goddesses. He also highlighted her social reforms, including women's education and employment through Maheshwari sarees, the formation of an early women’s military unit, inclusion of tribal communities, and maintenance of law and order. He argued that Ahilyabai's governance model remains relevant today and that sustainable development depends on following the legacies of Shivaji and Ahilyabai.