In a significant development for cultural and environmental conservation, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced major initiatives for the revival of the sacred Saraswati River during the concluding ceremony of Saraswati Mahotsav 2026. The event, held on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami at the Saraswati Tirtha in Pehowa, Kurukshetra, was organized by the Haryana Sarasvati Heritage Development Board (HSHDB).
Massive Investment in River Rejuvenation
CM Saini inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 26 projects with a total value of Rs 63.86 crore specifically aimed at the Saraswati River's revival. This comprehensive package includes the inauguration of 16 projects costing Rs 27.59 crore and the foundation laying for 10 additional projects worth Rs 36.27 crore. The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for a master plan dedicated to the comprehensive development of Saraswati Tirtha, marking a holistic approach to the river's restoration.
Saraswati as a Symbol of National Unity
Addressing the gathering, CM Saini emphasized that the sacred Saraswati River binds not only Haryana but the entire nation in a holy bond of cultural unity. He described the Saraswati Mahotsav as a festival symbolizing the revival of ancient civilization and culture, noting that it aligns perfectly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Rashtriya Gaurav Abhiyan (National Pride Campaign).
The Chief Minister highlighted that the state government is working actively to rejuvenate the Saraswati River through multiple strategies, including interlinking rivers and constructing dedicated Saraswati reservoirs and water bodies. Simultaneously, the administration is developing major pilgrimage sites associated with the river as dedicated Saraswati Tirthas to preserve their religious and historical significance.
Scientific Validation and Research Collaboration
In a remarkable revelation, CM Saini shared that the Haryana government is collaborating with over 75 premier research institutions to validate and advance the Saraswati River rejuvenation project. These institutions include the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Geological Survey of India, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, and the Central Ground Water Board.
Scientific studies conducted by these organizations have established that the Saraswati is not merely a mythical river but has tangible historical existence. Research has confirmed that ancient river channels still exist from Adi Badri to the Rann of Kutch, with groundwater dating back 5,000 to 14,000 years that shows links to glaciers in Himachal Pradesh.
Tourism Circuit Development
The government has ambitious plans to develop the entire stretch from Adi Badri to Sirsa as a national tourism circuit. This circuit will include historically significant locations such as Kurukshetra, Pehowa, Kaithal, Hisar, Rakhigarhi, Fatehabad, and Sirsa. The development aims to boost tourism while creating new employment and business opportunities for the youth of Haryana.
Infrastructure and Interstate Cooperation
Highlighting infrastructure development, CM Saini revealed that an historic agreement has been signed with Himachal Pradesh to facilitate the river's revival. Under this agreement, a dam on the Som River and the Som Saraswati Barrage are being constructed to enhance water management.
Over the past decade, significant progress has been made with 18 new bridges built along Saraswati river routes, restoration of 111 heritage sites on its banks, and establishment of Saraswati Vatika in the Pehowa Saraswati forest. Additionally, educational recognition has been achieved with a chapter on the Saraswati River included in NCERT textbooks.
Statewide Celebrations and Historical Context
CM Saini noted that Saraswati Mahotsav events were simultaneously held at multiple locations across Haryana, including Saraswati Nagar in Yamunanagar, Pundri and Kisal Tirtha in Kaithal, and Hans Dher Tirtha in Jind. He recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, had made pioneering efforts to revive the Saraswati by linking it with waters from the Narmada and Sabarmati rivers, and stated that Haryana is following a similar path.
During his address, the Chief Minister extended greetings to the people of Haryana and expressed pride that Kurukshetra district was carved out as a separate administrative unit on January 23, 1973, and is now being developed at three times the previous pace.
Board Achievements and Cultural Tributes
HSHDB Vice Chairman Dhuman Singh Kirmach provided insights into the board's achievements, noting that despite having a budget of only Rs 6 crore, nearly Rs 100 crore is being spent on development works related to the Saraswati River due to the Chief Minister's dedicated efforts. He revealed that this was the third major Saraswati Mahotsav, with the first held in 2017, and that pilgrimage sites, ponds, and ghats are being systematically developed along the riverbanks.
Prior to the main event, CM Saini along with dignitaries offered prayers at the Goddess Saraswati Temple. The ceremony also included floral tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Deen Bandhu Sir Chhotu Ram on their respective remembrance days, connecting the river revival with broader national and state historical figures.
On this significant occasion, the Chief Minister released the HSHDB souvenir titled The Saraswati River Gatha, documenting the river's historical and cultural journey. The comprehensive approach combining scientific research, infrastructure development, cultural preservation, and tourism promotion marks a new chapter in the revival of one of India's most sacred rivers.
