On a warm September morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seated in his office in New Delhi, addressed the nation via video conferencing. The occasion was the launch of the ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ initiative, a nationwide water conservation effort. The event was held in Surat, Gujarat, where approximately 24,800 rainwater harvesting structures were being constructed to enhance water sustainability across the state.
In his speech, the Prime Minister reflected on the importance of water, quoting ancient scriptures and Rahim Das. “Water is life, and saving it is the highest form of service,” he said, reminding the audience that India is home to only 4% of the world’s freshwater despite its numerous rivers. He stressed the urgency of water conservation, calling it both a policy and a virtue. Water, he explained, would be the first thing future generations would judge us by, making its conservation the most critical of the nine resolutions toward a sustainable future.
PM Modi also touched upon the recent devastation caused by monsoons, recounting how Gujarat had faced extreme challenges due to torrential rains. Despite being underprepared, the people of Gujarat, he noted, had shown unity and resilience in overcoming the crisis. “Gujarat has always been a pioneer in water conservation,” the Prime Minister remarked, reminiscing about his time as Chief Minister. He recalled the challenges of implementing the Sardar Sarovar Dam and the Sauni Yojana, projects that were initially mocked but eventually became critical in solving the state’s water crisis.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ initiative was not just about building rainwater harvesting structures but also about fostering a sense of public participation. He emphasized that water conservation must become a people’s movement, with citizens from all walks of life actively contributing. “Public participation and a sense of social responsibility are key,” he said, citing successful programs like Jal Jeevan Mission and Namami Gange, which have seen the involvement of millions of Indians.
Drawing attention to the agricultural sector, PM Modi pointed out that nearly 80% of India’s water resources are used for farming. He stressed the importance of water-efficient agriculture, mentioning initiatives like drip irrigation and the promotion of crops that require less water, such as pulses and millets. “Per drop, more crop,” he said, is the mantra for ensuring both water conservation and increased farmer incomes.
The Prime Minister concluded his address with an appeal to the public, urging everyone to adopt the mantra of “Reduce, Reuse, Recharge, Recycle.” He called for immediate action, reminding the nation that water conservation is not just about preserving a resource but about safeguarding the future. “Together,” he said, “we will make India a global leader in water conservation, ensuring a better future for all.”
The program ended with the virtual presence of Gujarat’s Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C. R. Patil, who echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments and pledged their support to the initiative.
The ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ initiative is a collaboration between the Government of Gujarat and the Ministry of Jal Shakti. With a strong focus on community involvement, the initiative aims to construct nearly 24,800 rainwater harvesting structures across Gujarat. These efforts are expected to significantly enhance rainwater harvesting and ensure long-term water sustainability in the region.