Existence of human societies will be endangered if rivers die:

Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao today said that saving rivers is no longer an option, but a necessity as the existence of human societies will be endangered if rivers die.
He was speaking at the launch of Rally for Rivers and first tree plantation conclave at Raj Bhavan.
"Rivers are the arteries of our nation. If rivers die, if rivers pollute and if rivers develop blockages, the existence of human societies will be endangered. Saving rivers is not an option. It has become an imperative," Rao said.
Rao congratulated Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev for conceiving, launching the Rally for Rivers, to rejuvenate and revive our rivers.

Those present for the event include Sadhguru Vasudev, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, state forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, minister for rural development, women and child welfare, Pankaja Munde, state treasurer of BJP Shaina N C and Bollywood actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan among others.
"India has emerged as the most youthful nation in the world. Maharashtra alone has a population of 112.3 million which is more than four times the combined population of Australia and New Zealand put together.

"At least 65 per cent of this population is youth. If we can utilise this youth power in our mission, nothing can stop us from reaching our goal," said Rao .

"Unfortunately, human beings are eating up trees. It is again human beings, who are drinking rivers without caring for them. In a way we are killing our silent benefactors. That is why the Sadhguru has started this Bhagirath Prayatna to save our rivers and to save planet," Rao said.
"In my capacity as Chancellor of 20 Universities in Maharashtra and further 20 more universities in Tamil Nadu, I have already asked Vice Chancellors to join hands in this endeavour to save our rivers and increase the green cover. All universities are preparing their action plan," Rao said.
"In Tamil Nadu, we have launched the 'One Student One Tree' Scheme. In a similar manner, I have requested all vice chancellors in Maharashtra to implement this scheme, One Student, One Tree," he said.

If a student plants and nurtures one tree for three years during the period of his graduation, the same should be reflected on his degree certificate, Rao said.
"Today I wish to assure Sadhguru that millions of university students from Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are at his disposal for the implementation of the Rally for Rivers scheme and for the tree plantation drive," said the Governor.