Did Union Minister C.R. Paatil Just Launch 'Jalkranti' and Celebrate Water Conservation?

Ahmedabad, Aug 31 (NationPress) The city of Ahmedabad recently hosted the unveiling of 'Jalkranti', a book authored by Mansukh Suvagiya, who is widely recognized as a key figure in Gujarat's grassroots water conservation movement. The launch was officiated by Union Jal Shakti Minister and Gujarat BJP President C.R. Paatil.

This significant event attracted numerous senior ministers, MPs, and social activists, emphasizing the increasing importance of effective water management in the state's development agenda.

During the launch, Minister Paatil praised Suvagiya's unwavering dedication to water conservation over the decades, noting his leadership in constructing over 3,200 check dams and lakes across 300 villages.

He referred to 'Jalkranti' not just as a book but as a 'Gita on water', asserting that it serves as a guiding framework for addressing future water challenges.

The Minister also commended the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Catch the Rain' initiative, which has successfully established 3.2 million water structures in 611 districts within a mere eight months, labeling it an extraordinary accomplishment.

State Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel reminisced about how Suvagiya launched the water conservation movement during the devastating drought years in Saurashtra, raising public awareness regarding rainwater harvesting.

Other dignitaries, including Rajya Sabha MP Narhari Amin, acknowledged the Jalkranti Trust for its role in promoting water conservation, while recognizing the Union government's programs like 'Nal se Jal', which guarantees piped water supply to rural households.

The launch ceremony was graced by a host of notable figures, such as Cabinet Ministers Mulubhai Bera and Mukesh Patel, former Ministers Bhupendrasinh Chudasama and Vallabh Kakadiya, P.K. Laheri from the Somnath Trust, along with various social leaders.

Over the years, Gujarat has made substantial progress in water conservation efforts, concentrating on check dams, step-wells, farm ponds, and canal systems to mitigate the impacts of its arid climate and frequent droughts.

The state has pioneered the Sujalam Sufalam Yojana aimed at recharging groundwater and desilting rivers, while also expanding the Narmada canal network with drip and micro-irrigation systems to optimize water usage.

Community-led watershed initiatives, urban rooftop rainwater harvesting, and the restoration of traditional water systems have further fortified the community's resilience.

These comprehensive measures, along with strict oversight of groundwater usage and an emphasis on industrial water recycling, have positioned Gujarat as a leader in sustainable water management across India.