Pithoragarh, Feb. 12 -- A river festival was organised at the Yakshawati river in Tarigaon village, near the Maddhura hills in Pithoragarh district on Wednesday, to raise public awareness about the protection of traditional water sources and river ecosystems. The programme, conducted by Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority (SARA), was held in the river's catchment area as part of the river rejuvenation initiative aimed at increasing the flow of the Yakshawati river, improving groundwater recharge, reviving natural springs, and restoring the ecological health of the river. Pithoragarh district magistrate Ashish Bhatgai, who was the chief guest at the programme, said that protecting river sources and springs was essential to ensure clean and sufficient water for future generations. "To provide pure and adequate water to coming generations, we must make villages surrounding rivers and spring sources aware of the rare gift of nature and their responsibility to protect it," Bhatgai said. Villagers from nearby areas and schoolchildren participated in various awareness and creative activities, including padyatra (foot march) around villages near the river source, painting competitions and stage performances focused on environmental conservation. A local villager said that while the Yakshawati river remains clean at its source, it becomes polluted as it flows downstream. The Yakshawati river flows along the left side of the district headquarters and meets the local river Satrudra near Saini village. The combined flow then moves towards the Dera Deval temple, where it merges with another rivulet before flowing towards Pancheshwar....