Gujarat’s Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel, recently initiated a groundwater recharge campaign in Banaskantha district. The campaign aims to tackle the water scarcity in the region, particularly addressing issues in the dark zones, where water levels have been critically low. Patel emphasised the importance of water conservation, linking it to the state’s cultural heritage and the responsibility to future generations.
The campaign, titled ‘Catch the Rain – 2025’, is part of a broader effort by the Indian government to improve water resources across the country. This initiative encourages community participation in building recharge wells to raise the groundwater level. Patel stated that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government has planned to construct approximately 50,000 recharge wells in Banaskantha.
During the launch ceremony, held in Chodungari village, Patel was joined by several dignitaries, including Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C.R. Patil. He highlighted that the Prime Minister’s vision of keeping ‘the water of the fields in the fields, and the village’s water in the village’ is being realised through these efforts. The focus is not only on conserving water but also on improving irrigation systems to enhance agricultural productivity.
The Chief Minister noted that water is fundamental for development, a principle that Modi has always advocated. He elaborated on how Gujarat transformed from a water deficit to a water surplus state through community-driven water conservation efforts. The ongoing campaign is expected to significantly improve water availability for agriculture and livestock, which is crucial for the region’s economy.
In addition to the recharge wells, the government is also promoting natural farming practices. Patel underscored the importance of reducing chemical fertiliser use to safeguard both soil health and public health. He stated that this shift towards organic methods is essential to combat rising health issues linked to chemical exposure.
Moreover, the initiative aligns with a national vision for a developed India by 2047, where environmental conservation and sustainable practices are central to progress. This includes campaigns like ‘One Tree, One Name’, aimed at increasing green cover in the state.
Union Minister C.R. Patil emphasised that Banaskantha has the highest livestock population, which relies heavily on water availability. He announced that Banask Dairy will support the construction of recharge wells, promising to contribute to 25,000 of the planned wells, thus reinforcing the commitment to improve water resources in the region.
The campaign is not only about infrastructure but also about raising awareness among the community regarding the importance of water conservation. Various stakeholders, including local farmers and leaders, are being engaged to ensure active participation in these initiatives.
In conclusion, the groundwater recharge campaign launched in Banaskantha marks a significant step towards addressing water scarcity issues in Gujarat. With community involvement and strong governmental support, the initiative hopes to secure water resources for the future, ensuring that both agricultural and community needs are met sustainably. This effort reflects a growing recognition of the critical role water plays in development and the necessity of protecting this vital resource for generations to come.
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