In a significant move to address water security, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday emphasized the critical need for advance planning of water conservation projects to maximize rainwater collection and storage. The directive came during a comprehensive video conference jointly organized by the Union Jal Shakti Ministry and the state government to review ongoing water conservation programs across the state.
High-Level Review of Water Conservation Efforts
The virtual meeting saw participation from Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil, senior officials from the central government, and top state administration officers. District collectors presented detailed plans on various water conservation initiatives that were strategically prepared ahead of the monsoon season, as confirmed by an official statement released after the conference.
Maximizing Benefits from National Campaigns
Chief Minister Patel stressed that Gujarat must fully leverage the benefits of the national 'Catch the Rain' campaign and other water conservation schemes. He advocated for fostering healthy competition among districts to enhance their conservation efforts and specifically encouraged intensified work in regions where progress has been slower.
Patel highlighted the state government's financial commitment, noting that each legislator has been allocated Rs 50 lakh specifically for water conservation projects. He urged collectors to ensure these funds are utilized effectively and transparently within their respective districts.
Central Grants and State Targets
The Chief Minister also pointed to the Rs 553 crore grant provided to Gujarat under the 'Water Conservation Public Participation' scheme by the central government. He instructed officials to ensure complete utilization of these funds by March this year to accelerate water conservation projects across the state.
Union Minister C R Paatil outlined ambitious national targets, revealing that his department aims to construct over 1 crore water harvesting structures across India by May 31 under the Water Conservation Public Participation 2.0 campaign. He specifically suggested that Gujarat should aim to complete the maximum number of water conservation projects before the upcoming monsoon season.
Substantial Progress Already Achieved
Under this comprehensive project, Gujarat has already completed an impressive 1,33,522 water conservation structures. These include diverse initiatives such as rainwater harvesting systems, tubewell recharge projects, pond deepening works, farm ponds, and filter wells, demonstrating the state's proactive approach to water management.
The conference underscored the government's dual focus on both planning and implementation, with clear directives for district administrations to accelerate their water conservation efforts through strategic fund utilization and competitive district-level initiatives.
