Gujarat's Ambitious Plan to Deepen 10 Ponds in Each Taluka for Water Conservation
Synopsis
In a significant push for water conservation, Gujarat is set to deepen 10 ponds in each taluka, enhancing groundwater levels ahead of the monsoon. The initiative, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, seeks to strengthen water storage and promote rainwater harvesting across the state.
Key Takeaways
Deepening of 10 ponds in each taluka to enhance water levels.
The campaign is part of the Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan .
Focuses on rainwater harvesting and improving water storage systems.
Engagement of multiple government departments and public participation.
Expected increase in groundwater levels ahead of the monsoon.
Gandhinagar, Feb 23 (NationPress) The state of Gujarat is set to enhance the depth of 10 ponds in each taluka as part of a comprehensive water conservation initiative initiated on Monday, with the aim of boosting groundwater reserves before the upcoming monsoon season.
The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, officially inaugurated the Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan, a campaign focused on public participation in water conservation, at Bhat village in Gandhinagar district, commencing the project with the deepening of a local pond.
Upon completion, the pond is anticipated to have a storage capacity of 2.01 lakh cubic feet.
This initiative, which will take place from February 23 until May 31, is dedicated to enhancing water storage capabilities and advocating for rainwater harvesting throughout the state.
It aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to “Catch the Rain” as part of a broader water conservation strategy.
Approximately six government departments, including Water Resources, Water Supply, Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam, Rural Development, Forest and Environment, and Urban Development, will collaborate on these efforts in every district, engaging the public in various tasks.
The efforts will encompass the deepening of existing ponds, desilting of check dams, reservoirs, and rivers, as well as repairing damaged check dams. Maintenance and cleaning of canals, minor channels, rainwater harvesting structures, farm ponds, earthen embankments, terrace ponds, forest ponds, and drinking water sources will also be included.
Additionally, the campaign will address the repair of lake waste weirs and the clearance of obstructions, such as wild babul and shrubs, that hinder river flow.
The Gujarat government has been executing the Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan in a mission-oriented manner every year since 2018.
From 2018 through 2025, a total of 1,22,299 projects have been completed, which included 39,542 pond deepening initiatives, 26,544 check-dam desilting projects, and the cleaning of canals and minor channels spanning 82,240 kilometers.
According to official data, these initiatives have raised Gujarat’s water storage capacity by 1,39,959 lakh cubic feet and created 210 lakh man-days of employment over the past eight years.
The launch event was attended by Minister of State for Water Resources and Water Supply Ishwarsinh Patel, MP Hasmukh Patel, MLAs Alpesh Thakor and Rita Patel, Gandhinagar Mayor Mira Patel, senior officials, and local residents.
Point of View
Which is vital for the success of such extensive projects.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan?
The Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan is a state-led water conservation initiative in Gujarat aimed at enhancing water storage and promoting rainwater harvesting.
How many ponds will be deepened in each taluka?
Each taluka in Gujarat will have 10 ponds deepened as part of this water conservation drive.
What is the duration of the campaign?
The campaign runs from February 23 to May 31.
Who launched the initiative?
The initiative was launched by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
What are the expected outcomes of this campaign?
The campaign aims to enhance groundwater levels and increase the state's water storage capacity significantly.
