Raj water projects becoming reality under PM Modi: CM
Surat: Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, addressing the Jal Sanchay-Jal Bhagidari-Jan Andolan event in Surat on Sunday, highlighted the progress made under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He lauded the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign as a unique initiative that aims to promote water conservation through public participation and will become a nationwide public movement.
Sharma recalled how Prime Minister Modi, during his tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister in 2003, addressed Rajasthan’s water needs by providing Narmada water to the state. He also noted the Prime Minister’s support in signing the MoU for the ERCP project between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, as well as the Yamuna water agreement between Haryana and Rajasthan. Projects like the Dewas initiative are ensuring water availability in Udaipur.
The Chief Minister emphasized Rajasthan’s long-standing tradition of water conservation, citing that water has always been a precious resource in the state. He credited Rajasthan’s ancestors for building tanks, stepwells, and other water harvesting structures with limited resources, a practice that continues to this day.
He further explained that the Jal Swavlamban Campaign 2.0 is currently underway, with over 1,10,000 water conservation projects in 5,000+ villages in the first phase at a cost of Rs 3,500 cr. This initiative is vital for water conservation and self-reliance in Rajasthan.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma also mentioned that the contribution of non-resident Rajasthanis will enhance the success of water conservation efforts, as they help build water collection structures across villages.
