Uttar Pradesh government will cooperate in cleaning rivers: Akhilesh Yadav

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said on Wednesday that the state government would fully cooperate with Centre in cleaning of rivers. Inaugurating the 35th Junior National Rowing Championships being held at the Gomati River here, the Chief Minister said that cleaning the rivers is important as it is a part of 'our culture and identity.'

"Rivers are part of our culture and identity. We will work to save the rivers. The government would fully cooperate in cleaning of rivers", he said. "In the earlier times trade was done through waterways. It is the good fortune of Lucknow that a river flows through it and important buildings are situated on its banks," he said adding that budget is required for the cleaning of rivers.

Yadav was recently nominated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with eight other public figures to promote the cleanliness programme in the state. A competition has started in the name of cleanliness, he said, and we will have to think in which direction we have to go.

Meanwhile, Yadav also said that his government has honoured sportspersons by rewarding the athletes, and refuted allegations that SP gives preference to wrestlers. "If you see the list of Yash Bharti awardees you will find that players of all the games have been felicitated. It is the socialists who have honoured the sportspersons the most", he added.