HIRD Director, Dr. Chauhan Conducts a site visit regarding the cleaning of the Drishadvati (Chatang) and the beautification of its banks

Nilokheri, July 5, 2026: A significant meeting was held involving the town's enlightened social activists, public representatives, and members of various organizations to discuss the format, tentative dates, and program schedule for the proposed Nilokheri Festival. The festival aims to reflect on the past, present, and future of Nilokheri—a town that once stood as a beacon of cooperation, community development, and planned rehabilitation.

Initiated by Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan, Director of the Haryana Institute of Rural Development (HIRD), the meeting resulted in a consensus to organize the festival with the Municipal Council playing a central role. It was also decided to hold a planning meeting with all municipal councilors on Monday regarding this matter.

Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan stated that this festival would not merely be a cultural event but a medium to give a new identity to Nilokheri’s glorious history, social harmony, cultural heritage, and journey of development. He emphasized that participation from every section of society would be ensured so that the event could become a true "people's festival" for the entire region.

Discussing the historical and cultural significance of the Chatang (Drishadvati) in detail, Dr. Chauhan mentioned that HIRD has sent a comprehensive letter to the Saraswati Heritage Development Board regarding the conservation of the river. Detailed deliberations were held with the social activists present, and their suggestions were invited.

Following the meeting, the HIRD Director Dr. Chauhan visited the site with the municipal team to discuss various aspects of cleaning the Chatang (Drishadvati) and beautifying its banks. He remarked that if the banks of the Chatang (Drishadvati) could be beautified—following the cleanup—with the construction of ‘ghats’ and other amenities, it would serve as a unique gift to the town. He stated that this step is essential because delegations from across the country, the state, and even abroad frequently visit the Haryana Institute of Rural Development, the Institute of Extension Education, and the Rajiv Gandhi Institute.

Market Committee Chairman Shivnath Kapoor remarked that the Nilokheri Festival would elevate the town's identity to new heights and urged all sections of society to work together towards this goal. BJP leader Satnam Singh Ahuja noted that the festival would serve as an effective medium to strengthen Nilokheri's social unity, cultural heritage, and spirit of development. Rajesh Sharma, General Secretary of the BJP Yuva Morcha (Mandal), stated that with the active participation of the youth, the Nilokheri Festival would set a new benchmark for energy, innovation, and public engagement.

Vice President Balkar Saini added that every possible effort would be made to gain recognition for the Nilokheri Festival across the state through digital and social media platforms. Meanwhile, Dr. Krishna Gopal (Butana Mandal Convener and Co-convener of the Nayab Welfare Society), Mandal General Secretary Kapil Bakshi, Councilor Mukesh Kumar, and other social activists present pledged their full support to make the Nilokheri Festival a successful and historic event.