Surat tops in state, among top ten in India in water conservation activities
Under Jalsanchay Janbhagidari Abhiyan 2.0, a 'Jalmitra Guidance' seminar was held at the District Panchayat Bhavan at Vesu on Friday afternoon
Local people were involved as 'water ambassadors' to raise awareness among villagers about water conservation, water harvesting, and related activities such as borewell roof-top recharge (Archive) Having completed around “60,000 water conservation works”, Surat has secured the first place in Gujarat and was named among the “ten best cities” in the country, District Development Officer Shivani Goyal said at an event on Friday afternoon.
Under Jalsanchay Janbhagidari Abhiyan 2.0, a ‘Jalmitra Guidance’ seminar was held at the District Panchayat Bhavan at Vesu on Friday afternoon. Organised by Goyal and District Collector Dr Sourabh Pardhi, its aim was to raise awareness about water conservation and boost contributions as ‘Jalmitra’.
Local people were involved as ‘water ambassadors’ to raise awareness among villagers about water conservation, water harvesting, and related activities such as borewell roof-top recharge, creating and deepening ponds, building and repairing check dams.
Pardhi said that the main objective of the campaign is to raise awareness among people and encourage them to collect rainwater in their homes or fields, and motivate the villagers. It is crucial for every farmer to dig a small pit or structure in their field and plan to direct water underground to prevent run-off, he said. Making efforts towards water harvesting with public cooperation in every village is essential so that a rich water heritage can be passed on to future generations, he added.
He further said that 566 people from Surat joined as ‘Jalmitra’. Water storage structures have been built in many parts of Surat district, he said, adding that those must be properly maintained during the rainy season to ensure their effectiveness. Paridhi said: “Water is life, and it is each person’s duty to conserve it. Becoming a ‘Jalmitra’ is a commitment to save water for future generations and also a responsibility towards the society.”
District Development Officer Goyal said, “A ‘Water Conservation Public Participation’ initiative was launched in Surat. Last year, with support from government grants, Finance Commission grants, CSR funds, cooperative institutions, and others, Surat completed approximately 60,000 water conservation works and secured the first place in Gujarat and was among the ten best cities in the country. This is an achievement for the entire district and for Gujarat.”
She further said that it is very important to maintain water storage structures so that rainwater can be stored in larger quantities. More water storage projects will be undertaken using government schemes and grants in days to come, she added.
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