Will Bhopal’s Upper Lake Be Deepened Under ‘Ganga Jal Samvardhan’ Initiative?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Bhopal's Upper Lake will be deepened to enhance water conservation.
- The 'Ganga Jal Samvardhan' initiative focuses on preserving water resources.
- Addressing agricultural water issues is a priority for the government.
- New commemorative gates honoring historical figures will be constructed.
- Raja Bhoj and Raja Vikramaditya are significant historical figures in Madhya Pradesh.
Bhopal, Dec 13 (NationPress) Madhya Pradesh's Chief Minister Mohan Yadav declared on Saturday that the historic Upper Lake (also known as Bada Talab) in Bhopal will undergo deepening as part of the state government's ‘Ganga Jal Samvardhan’ initiative, which is focused on enhancing water conservation efforts.
This announcement was made during a ceremonial event commemorating two years of the BJP government in the Huzur Assembly constituency in Bhopal.
In his address, the Chief Minister highlighted that the ‘Ganga Jal Samvardhan’ campaign is designed to conserve water resources and will be rolled out in several phases throughout the state.
“I have learned that vast areas of farmland in villages within the Huzur Assembly constituency are impacted by water from the Upper Lake, especially during the monsoon. To remedy this situation, I am announcing that Bhopal’s Bada Talab will be deepened today,” Yadav stated.
This announcement follows closely after the Chief Minister inaugurated 20 shikara boats for visitors at the Upper Lake, which is one of the city's primary tourist attractions.
The Upper Lake, a man-made water reservoir constructed by Raja Bhoj in the 11th century, is recognized as India’s sole large artificial lake of its type. It serves as a critical source of drinking water for Bhopal.
During the gathering in the villages of the Fanda area under the Huzur Assembly constituency, the Chief Minister also initiated the foundation stone laying for a commemorative gate honoring the ancient ruler Raja Vikramaditya.
This project is part of the Madhya Pradesh government's broader initiative to erect nine commemorative gates named after notable historical figures such as Raja Vikramaditya and Raja Bhoj along major thoroughfares in the state capital.
Raja Vikramaditya, who reigned as a Chakravarti emperor, is celebrated for his valor, justice, generosity, and exemplary governance. Similarly, Raja Bhoj is remembered for his considerable architectural accomplishments, including the creation of the Upper Lake, which continues to shape Bhopal's landscape.
The government has stated that this initiative aims to educate citizens about Madhya Pradesh’s rich heritage, fostering a renewed pride in the state's historical legacy, a plan that received Cabinet endorsement earlier this year.