VARANASI, Nov. 5 -- Ganga sewaks appealed to the public to keep the National River Ganga clean on November 4 to mark the anniversary of its declaration as a National River. They expressed gratitude to the river, which connects the country, by organising a cleanliness drive along its banks. Rajesh Shukla, Namami Gange convener for the Kashi region and cleanliness brand ambassador of Varanasi Nagar Nigam, led the special drive along with Ganga sewaks Dr Pramod Kumar Pandey, Vinod Singh, Ramashankar Pandey, Lallan Pandey, Ram Singh, Usha Singh, Pushpa Tiwari, Stupta Chatterjee and Amit Pandey. They removed waste from the riverbank and spread awareness about environmental protection and the importance of keeping the Ganga clean. Ganga sewak Rajesh Shukla said that Maa Ganga was not merely a river but a living symbol of India's faith, culture and civilisation. He urged people to preserve and protect it. He also highlighted the river's importance as a source of livelihood for millions through agriculture, irrigation, fisheries, animal husbandry, river-based trade and tourism. Meanwhile, Congress members performed 'Dugdhabhishek', a ritual offering of milk, to Maa Ganga at Sheetla Ghat. htc...