Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched the ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative,’ a rainwater harvesting programme led by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat.
The project aims to construct around 24,800 rainwater harvesting structures through community participation, ensuring long-term water sustainability across the state.
Speaking via video conferencing, PM Modi stressed that India, with its visionary and comprehensive approach, must lead the world in finding solutions to the water crisis.
Citing a Sanskrit quote, PM Modi said, “All living beings originate from water, and their lives depend on it. Thus, water conservation is the highest form of service. Rahim Das echoed this sentiment long ago.”
Reflecting on the recent floods in Gujarat and other regions, PM Modi said that almost every part of the country experienced heavy rainfall and flooding during the monsoon season. “Gujarat, where I served as chief minister for a long time, faced unprecedented rainfall this season. Despite the challenges, Gujarat and its people have shown resilience and unity in tackling nature’s fury,” he said.
PM Modi said that Gujarat has always been at the forefront of water conservation efforts. He pointed to past achievements, including the Sardar Sarovar Dam and the SAUNI Scheme, which were implemented despite skepticism and opposition. “Our critics once mocked us, saying the pipes we laid would carry air, not water. Today, the success of those efforts is clear for the world to see. Gujarat’s example gives us confidence that we can overcome the water crisis nationwide,” he added.
PM Modi extended his wishes to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Gujarat government, and the citizens involved in the initiative. He emphasized that water conservation is not just a government policy but a practice rooted in generosity and responsibility. “When future generations judge us, they will first look at how we treated water. It’s not just a matter of resources; it’s a matter of life and the future,” he said.
According to an official statement, “In furtherance to the PM’s vision of water security, the initiative seeks to conserve water with strong emphasis on community partnership and ownership and is driven by a whole of society and whole of government approach.”
“The Government of Gujarat has endeavoured to mobilise citizens, local bodies, industries and other stakeholders to ensure a water secure future, ” the statement says.