World Water Day: From Drought-Prone to Water-Rich: Gujarat's Transformation Over the Last 2.5 Decades

Gandhinagar ( Gujarat [India], March 21 (ANI): Each year, March 22 is marked as water -Day">Global Water Day. On this occasion, Gujarat 's water A conservation and management model ought to be examined.

Throughout the last twenty-five years, Gujarat , spanning across 196 lakh hectares, has undergone a transformation water transformed into opportunities via forward-thinking policies. According to a press statement from the Chief Minister's office, these initiatives have guaranteed the state’s water safety measures, thriving farming sector, and job creation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a pivotal role as the chief designer of Gujarat 's incredible water journey toward prosperity. Over his approximately fifteen-year term as Chief Minister, Gujarat , he reshaped the state's water preservation and management, charting a fresh course for advancement.

Today, Gujarat has successfully used approximately 61.32 lakh hectares out of its total 70 lakh hectares of irrigation potential. The building of 1,87,403 check dams has helped ensure groundwater recharge. water recharge and sustainable water supply.

Gujarat 's success in water The management has received national recognition. In October 2024, President Droupadi Murmu honored them. Gujarat for excellence in water leadership during the National Water Awards ceremony.

The Sardar Sarovar Project is the biggest landmark in Gujarat 's water Management, and it now acts as the state's lifeline. This one initiative has brought about a significant transformation. water supply and irrigation across Gujarat .

The dam, standing at 163 meters high, is intended to supply irrigation to around 180,000 hectares of arable land spread across 3,173 villages in 17 districts. Additionally, it provides drinking water. water up to 10,453 villages and 183 towns across 30 districts.

Devoted to North and Central Gujarat , the Sujalam Sufalam Scheme has served as a crucial landmark in Gujarat 's water Under this program, a 337-kilometer-long Sujalam Sufalam Spreading Canal was built, providing farmers with improved irrigation facilities and boosting groundwater levels. water levels.

Furthermore, 14 lift irrigation pipeline projects were intended to make use of the excess water from the Narmada. water in North Gujarat Out of these, 13 have already been finished. These accomplished initiatives have linked up 959 ponds spanning 550 villages, offering irrigation advantages to 1,02,700 hectares of land.

To address water concerns in tribal regions, the Gujarat government has launched large-scale water conservation projects under the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana Under this program, 26,951 water Conservation initiatives have been finished, which has positively impacted 4,07,983 hectares of indigenous territory.

Moreover, 9 significant lift irrigation projects have been finished, offering water up to 48,988 hectares of land and includes 605 villages. This program has significantly empowered tribal communities and enhanced their self-sufficiency.

Gujarat 's SAUNI Yojana is becoming crucial for the Saurashtra area. This initiative involves allocating 1 MAF ( Million Acre Feet ) of excess water from the Narmada. water has been delivered to 99 reservoirs via a 1,320 km long pipeline system, providing benefits to 8.24 lakh acres of farmland.

Furthermore, as part of Phase 1 of the Kutch Water Project, four significant pipeline connections are being constructed at a cost of Rs 4,118 crore to guarantee a dependable supply. water supply in the region.

As part of the Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan initiative initiated by the Gujarat In 2018, the government completed 1.07 lakh projects, leading to an increase water storage capacity increased by 119,144 lakh cubic feet. Likewise, the central government's 'Jal Sanchay, Jan Bhagidari' initiative has transformed water conversion into a widespread movement Gujarat through community participation.

Programs such as constructing check dams, deepening ponds, and capturing rainfall water significantly enhanced harvesting has greatly improved grounds water levels. The 'Amrit Sarovar' project stands as another significant achievement, having led to the construction of 2,650 such tanks spread over 33 districts within the state.

Under the Jal Jeevan Mission of the central government, the Gujarat government has focused on a strong pipeline network and efficient water resource management, guaranteeing the availability of clean drinking water water to every household.

Modern technologies and water Conservation initiatives have been put into place, particularly in distant and water -scarce areas. Gujarat 'Success has positioned it as one of the leading states to attain the 'Har Ghar Jal' objective.' (ANI)