Water conservation should become a mass movement: appeals Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

‘Jal-samvad’ and ‘Jalkranti’ conferences to be organised in Nagpur on 17th and 18th May

Nagpur, May 2026 : Union minister for road transport and highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari said that, to remove the stigma of Vidarbha being known as a farmer suicide zone, form Vidarbha and ensure water prosperity in the region’s villages, water conversation should become a mass movement. On the occasion of the silver jubilee of Poorti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha, which works in the field of water conservation in Vidarbha, the “Jalsamvad” (water dialogue) and “Jalkranti” (water-revolution) conferences have been organized in Nagpur on May 17 and 18. Gadkari was addressing a press conference held today to provide information about these events. MLAs Charansing Thakur and Umesh Yawalkar were also present in the press meet.

Shri Gadkari further said that, we do not have water scarcity in the country; but we lack proper planning and management of water resources. He also clarified that we can achieve water management through organic farming, drip irrigation, and the use of artificial intelligence in agriculture.

He pointed out that the use of soil excavated from farm ponds in the construction of national highways has helped increase groundwater levels in the western Vidarbha districts of Akola, Washim, and Buldhana. He also categorically mentioned that farmers in the region have changed their cropping patterns accordingly. Participation of non-governmental organisations in water conservation is important, but peoples’ active participation is equally valuable, hence; water conservation must become a mass movement, asserted Shri Gadkari. He further stated that in the groundwater-deficient “dark zone” areas of Warud-Morshi and Katol-Narkhed, conservation work related to deepening rivers and streams is being carried out with public participation, and through these efforts, water conservation projects are being undertaken in the region. Gadkari also appealed to local self-government bodies to contribute significantly to these initiatives.

Poorti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha, is constantly working in water conservation for the last 25 years. ‘Tamaswada Model’ developed by the organisation is being recognized across the country.

Marking the silver jubilee year of the organization, two-day national conferences have been organised in Nagpur. The silver jubilee celebrations will be held in two phases — “Nagpur Jalsamvad-2026” on May 17, 2026, and the “Jalkranti Conference” on May 18, 2026.

Prominent water experts, Padma awardees, and distinguished personalities from the social sector from across the country are expected to participate in these events.

On the first day of the silver jubilee celebrations, Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 4:00 PM, the national conference “Nagpur Jalsamvad 2026” will be organised at Dr. Vasantrao Deshpande Auditorium in Civil Lines.

An in-depth discussion will be done on the theme, “Water conservation, as a solution for a farmer’s suicide-free Vidharbha”. The national level symposium is aimed to address water scarcity and find solutions to irrigation problems in Vidarbha and ensure economic stability for farmers.

The programme will be chaired by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways. On this occasion, distinguished personalities such as Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi (Dehradoon), Umashankar Pandey (Chitrakoot), and Sethpal Singh (Saharnpur) will attend as special guests and share their guidance.

In addition, Keshob Krishna Chatradhara (Assam), Sanjay Kashyap (Centre for water peace) water expert Mrs Swedevino Natso (Nagaland), and Ministers of State Ashish Jaiswal and Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar will also be present.

On the next day, May 18, 2026, at 11.00 am, ‘Jalkranti Conference’ will be held at Kavivarya Suresh Bhat auditorium in Reshimbagh. In this programme, a review of the organisation’s vast journey of 25 years will be taken, with special focus on the successful initiatives of water conservation like ‘Tamaswada Pattern’ in Vidarbha.

A special attraction of the conference will be the presence of renowned actor and founder of Paani Foundation Aamir Khan, along with Naam Foundation president Nana Patekar and secretary Makarand Anaspure.

Apart from them, Maharashtra’s Minister for Soil and Water Conservation Sanjay Rathod, Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth Dr. Sharad Gadakh, and Vice-Chancellor of Gondwana University Dr. Prashant Bokare will also grace the event with their presence.

A large number of farmers and village sarpanches from Vidarbha are expected to attend the Jalkranti Conference.

After the main function on May 18, an in-depth deliberation on water conservation and groundwater recharge will be held at 2:30 PM. Discussions will also focus on the work carried out by Poorti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha over the past two and a half decades.

The organization’s president Prafulladatta Jamdar and secretary Madhav Kotasthane have appealed to citizens to participate in large numbers in this significant water conservation movement.

On the occasion of the silver jubilee celebrations, important books such as ‘Jalparva’, ‘Jalkranti’, ‘Krishikalyan’, and ‘Corridors of Water Security’ will also be released by distinguished dignitaries.