Gujarat’s ‘Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan’ water conservation initiative has raised water storage capacity by 20,789 lakh cubic feet this year, marking a total increase of 1,38,039 lakh cubic feet over eight years. Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign, the program aims to engage the public in enhancing groundwater levels and expanding water conservation infrastructure in the state.
Water Resources and Water Supply Minister Ishwarsinh Patel highlighted the initiative’s success in mobilizing citizens to increase water storage capacity and improve groundwater levels. Launched on February 23 in Gandhinagar by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the campaign has already completed 13,315 projects across various departments through coordinated efforts.
The comprehensive efforts include deepening ponds, desilting check dams, repairing check dams, cleaning canals spanning 626 kilometers, and clearing drains covering 1,277 kilometers. These activities have not only boosted water storage capacity by 20,789 lakh cubic feet this year but have also generated around 2.30 lakh man-days of employment opportunities.
The program, managed jointly by six departments including Water Resources, Water Supply, Forest and Environment, Urban Development, Rural Development, and Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited, involves public participation, the MGNREGA scheme, and departmental execution. With a total of 1,23,635 works undertaken in the past eight years, the initiative has significantly contributed to water conservation efforts in Gujarat.
