Madhya Pradesh’s Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan is gaining international attention as a successful model of water conservation, with the state government claiming that the initiative has evolved into a mass movement driven by public participation.
Launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, the campaign focuses on the rejuvenation of rivers, ponds and traditional water bodies while promoting sustainable water management practices across the state.
The recently concluded seven-day “Sadanira Samagam” at Bharat Bhavan in Bhopal highlighted the integration of water conservation efforts with India’s cultural heritage. The event was attended by diplomats from Cyprus, Fiji, Mexico, Nepal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Ecuador, who praised the Madhya Pradesh model and described it as a meaningful response to the growing global water crisis.
Several foreign envoys expressed interest in adopting similar initiatives in their respective countries.
Cyprus High Commissioner Evagoras Vryonides described water scarcity as a major global challenge and stressed the need for greater public awareness. He also announced that a cultural troupe from Cyprus would visit Bhopal later this month.
Fiji High Commissioner Jagannath Sami highlighted climate change as a pressing concern and noted the longstanding ties between India and Fiji, saying both countries share common priorities in environmental protection and human welfare.
Vanessa Adrian of the Mexican Embassy praised the initiative’s effort to link water conservation with cultural heritage, noting that India and Mexico, as inheritors of ancient civilisations, could work together to address shared environmental challenges.
Nepal’s First Secretary Deepak Porkhire emphasised the responsibility of protecting nature and pointed to the cultural affinities between India and Nepal, adding that his visit to Madhya Pradesh gave him a sense of belonging.
Chandradath Singh of Trinidad and Tobago commended the campaign for communicating environmental concerns through cultural expression, while Ecuador’s Deputy Chief of Mission Jorge Vinicio Anrango said his country plans to organise a similar “Sadanira Sangam” inspired by Madhya Pradesh’s efforts.
According to the state government, work has been completed on more than 2.12 lakh water conservation structures under the campaign against a target of 3.66 lakh.
By combining environmental stewardship with cultural engagement, the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan has emerged as a notable model for water conservation and community participation, drawing interest from countries facing similar resource challenges.
(With inputs from IANS)
