Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for India to lead the global fight against water scarcity during the ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative’ launch on Friday. At the event, PM Modi highlighted India’s longstanding visionary approach toward water conservation, asserting that the country must step forward to address the global water crisis.
Quoting a Sanskrit verse, PM Modi said, “It is said that all living beings have originated from water and their survival depends on it. Therefore, water donation and conservation are the greatest acts of service.” He also referenced Rahim Das, noting that the value of water preservation has been recognized for centuries in Indian culture.
Natural Disasters and Water Conservation
PM Modi pointed out the recent devastating floods in Gujarat, along with other natural disasters that struck various parts of India during the monsoon season. “Almost every region of the country witnessed the havoc caused by heavy rains,” he said. “Even as Chief Minister of Gujarat, I had never seen such intense downpours in many districts. However, Gujarat has faced the challenges with unity and resilience.”
Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari: A Collective Responsibility
Extending his wishes to all participants in the new initiative, PM Modi underlined that water conservation should not merely be a government policy but a collective practice driven by both generosity and responsibility. “Water conservation is not just about policy; it reflects our values of responsibility toward future generations. Our approach to water will be one of the first things future generations evaluate us on,” he remarked. “Of the nine resolutions for a sustainable future, water conservation is the first.”
He praised the collaboration between the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Government of Gujarat, saying, “Through public participation, we are taking a meaningful step forward.”
Overcoming Obstacles: Lessons from Gujarat
Reflecting on his tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, PM Modi mentioned the strides the state made in water conservation through initiatives like the SAUNI (Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation) scheme. He recalled opposition mockery of the project, with critics suggesting the water pipes would carry air rather than water. “Today, the success of our efforts is clear for the world to see. Gujarat’s achievements offer assurance that India can overcome its water scarcity challenges,” he said.
Details of the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative
The ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative,’ a collaboration between the Government of Gujarat and the Ministry of Jal Shakti, aims to enhance water security through rainwater harvesting and community participation. Approximately 24,800 rainwater harvesting structures will be constructed across Gujarat, ensuring long-term water sustainability.
According to an official statement, the initiative seeks to conserve water with a strong emphasis on community involvement. It is driven by a “whole of society and whole of government” approach, mobilizing citizens, local bodies, industries, and other stakeholders for a water-secure future.
