India, Aug. 16 -- The Yamuna's usually quiet Vasudev Ghat in Civil Lines saw a festive fervour on the 79th Independence Day, as the ghat was flanked with Tricolours and diyas while the Public Works Department (PWD) minister Parvesh Verma performed an elaborate Yamuna arti on Friday.

"Until the Yamuna becomes clean and alive once again, our celebration of freedom will remain incomplete. Being with Maa Yamuna on this auspicious day reinforces our faith and reminds us of our responsibility to protect our rivers. Our progress as a society must also reflect in the way we treat our natural heritage. I urge everyone present today to extend their support in the collective mission of restoring the Yamuna back to its pristine state," Verma said. ...