Gujarat Government Unveils 27,300 Rainwater Harvesting Initiatives in Surat
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Synopsis
The Gujarat government, in conjunction with the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, has rolled out the <b>‘Jan Bhagidari Se Jal Sanchar’</b> initiative, launching 27,300 rainwater harvesting projects in Surat to enhance water conservation efforts.
Key Takeaways
- 27,300 rainwater harvesting projects initiated.
- Virtual foundation stone laid by Union Minister C.R. Paatil.
- Significant focus on community involvement in water conservation.
- Women trained in over 5 lakh villages for water quality testing.
- India aims to complete 10 lakh structures by May 31, 2025.
Surat, March 23 (NationPress) The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, in partnership with the Gujarat government, initiated the ‘Jan Bhagidari Se Jal Sanchar’ program in Mora village, Choryasi taluka, Surat district, on Sunday.
As part of this initiative, 27,300 rainwater harvesting projects will be launched under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of various industrial entities and organizations.
The virtual ceremony marking the foundation stone for these projects was led by Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C.R. Paatil.
Notable attendees included Member of Parliament Mukesh Dalal, Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, and Minister of State for Forest and Environment Mukeshbhai Patel. In his address, Union Minister C.R. Paatil underscored the importance of rainwater harvesting and water conservation, referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign as a revolutionary step.
He pointed out that Surat has become a frontrunner in India in implementing water conservation strategies through community involvement.
Paatil also mentioned that residents in coastal regions recognize the pressing need for water, and through the Jal Jeevan Mission, piped water supply is being extended to every household nationwide.
The minister further stated that Prime Minister Modi’s vision has greatly alleviated the burden on women, who once had to travel significant distances to collect water.
“Through government initiatives, women in over five lakh villages have received training and testing kits to assess drinking water quality. This has been crucial in reducing child mortality rates linked to contaminated water,” he stated.
He remarked that various water conservation programs have led to significant health improvements for families across the country.
Previously, families spent approximately Rs 50,000 annually on medical treatment due to waterborne illnesses.
“With merely 4 percent of the world's freshwater resources, India must optimize its limited water supply to cater to its 18 percent population and 18 percent of the world’s livestock,” he explained.
Currently, 83 percent of water is allocated for agriculture, 14 percent for domestic use, and 2.5 percent for industrial purposes.
“By embracing effective rainwater harvesting methods, India is making steady strides towards ensuring water availability for all,” he asserted.
Paatil also recognized the industrial advancement in coastal villages, which previously relied solely on limited agricultural practices.
He noted that Surat has set the benchmark for rainwater harvesting initiatives, ensuring that collected water in villages and farmlands is retained within their respective regions.
“The Ministry of Jal Shakti has declared a reward of Rs 2 crore for the top 10 districts in India that implement the highest number of water recharge structures,” the minister announced.
He also mentioned that around 8.55 lakh rainwater harvesting structures have been established across India.
“This success has been achieved through the combined efforts of social organizations, industrial units, and voluntary labor contributions. The government aims to complete over 10 lakh rainwater harvesting structures throughout the nation by May 31, 2025,” he concluded.
