Lucknow Diary | Mirzapur, Agra clinch water awards
Mirzapur, Agra clinch water awards UP won two honours in the sixth edition of the National Water Awards 2024. Mirzapur was declared the Best District in the northern zone for effective implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission and Atal Bhujal Yojana. The district revived reservoirs, built drains and expanded irrigation in rural areas with strong support from panchayats and local residents. Community-driven efforts in rainwater harvesting and pond rejuvenation helped villages increase groundwater levels. Agra Municipal Corporation secured joint third place in the Best Urban Local Body category for adopting leakage-tracking systems and smart metering. Place of Kaliyugs advent to be a tourist spot The site believed to mark the beginning of Kaliyug will soon be developed into a tourist destination. The government has allocated Rs 2 crore to beautify the ashram of Maharishi Shringi at Parikshitgarh in Meerut. It is a key stop in the states Mahabharat Circuit. Mahabharata and Shrimad Bhagavat Geeta recount that King Parikshit, angered when Sage Samika ignored his request for water, placed a dead snake around his neck. Samikas son Maharishi Shringi cursed Parikshit to die within seven days by the bite of the serpent Takshakthat marked the start of Kaliyug. The yagyashala, havan kund, and banyan tree at the site are still revered as witnesses. Grammy nomination for Sounds of Kumbha The spiritual grandeur of the Maha Kumbh has found global recognition with the album Sounds of Kumbha earning a nomination at the 68th Grammy Awards. Created by Delhi-based singer, composer, and producer Siddhant Bhatia, the album competes in the Best Global Music Album category alongside works by Anoushka Shankar and the Shakti band. Commissioned by the UP government and shot during the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, the 12-track project features 50 global artistes blending Indian traditions with modern sounds. Bhatia announced that Sounds of Kumbha and his instrumental album Shayan received two Grammy nominations. Namita Bajpai Our correspondent in Uttar Pradesh namita.bajpai@newindianexpress.com
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