In Gujarat, a strong plan is in place to ensure that every family and citizen has enough drinking water. This initiative is under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, along with Water Supply Minister Kunvarji Bawaliya and State Minister Mukesh Patel. They have developed a comprehensive water supply grid.
The Gujarat water supply grid includes 3,250 kilometers of bulk pipelines and over 120,000 kilometers of distribution pipelines. This vast network supplies 320 crore litres of water daily to more than 15,720 villages and 251 urban areas. The project aims to reach every corner of the state, ensuring that no one lacks access to drinking water.
Of the 18,152 villages in Gujarat, 15,720 receive water through surface source-based bulk pipelines and improved water supply schemes. The remaining 432 villages are served by individual water supply systems based on local sources. Additionally, plans are underway to cover all villages under group schemes, which are currently in progress.
To ensure the supply of potable water in rural areas, the state has reserved water from 74 dams. This water is treated and delivered to beneficiary villages as needed. During times of difficulty, such as summer, water tankers are deployed to ensure that both villagers and livestock have access to water.
Surveys have been conducted to identify villages at risk of water shortages. Officers from Class 1 and Class 2 are assigned to these villages to monitor water needs actively. They work to ensure that any issues are addressed quickly.
Additionally, a grievance redressal system is in place to handle complaints related to water supply. A 24×7 control room in Gandhinagar takes calls on a toll-free number, 1916, for all drinking water complaints. A proactive call center named “Jal Sampark” has also been established at the water supply board’s head office. Over 52,000 people have reached out for assistance through this center, with 99.5% of them providing positive feedback on the service received.
To maintain the pipeline systems and address issues like leaks, a total of 13,700 operators and resource personnel have received training. Regular meetings are held by the district water and sanitation committees to review water supply conditions and complaints, ensuring that officials are well-informed about the situation in their respective districts.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that every citizen in Gujarat has access to safe drinking water, especially during the hot summer months when demand increases. With careful planning and effective implementation, the state aims to eliminate water scarcity and improve the quality of life for its residents.
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