20 Rivers in India to be Interconnected to Prevent Future Water Shortages: Union Minister C. R. Patil

Pune : The Central Government is implementing the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ scheme to provide water to every household. As part of the effort to eliminate water scarcity, the government is focusing on ensuring that every drop of rainwater is absorbed into the ground and recycled to avoid future water shortages. To ensure sufficient water availability for the country’s population, livestock, and agriculture, 20 rivers will be interconnected within the next two months, announced Union Water Resources Minister C. R. Patil.

He made this statement while speaking at an event organized to mark the 9th anniversary of the Naam Foundation at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch. Present at the event were Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Industries Minister Uday Samant, Surat MLA Sangita Patil, and Naam Foundation Chairman Nana Patekar along with co-founder Makarand Anaspure.

Union Minister Patil highlighted that the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ scheme has significantly reduced the burden on women, who previously had to walk long distances to fetch water. He noted that five and a half crore hours of daily life for women across the country have been saved, with this time now being directed towards achieving financial independence. The availability of clean water at home has also led to a reduction in waterborne diseases and medical expenses.

The government is accelerating various water conservation schemes, giving priority to rainwater harvesting. India, with 18% of the world’s population, has only 4% of the world’s potable water. Therefore, to address the water needs of the country, 20 rivers will be connected, providing ample water for the population, livestock, and agriculture. Patil emphasized the need for societal support in these efforts, particularly for rainwater harvesting in households, to ensure that future generations do not face water shortages. He also praised the Naam Foundation’s significant contribution to water conservation efforts.

Naam Foundation Played a Key Role in the Success of Jalyukt Shivar Yojana: Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

The Naam Foundation has been instrumental in transforming some of the most drought-prone areas in Maharashtra. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis remarked that the foundation played a pivotal role in the success of the Jalyukt Shivar Yojana, a government initiative designed to address Maharashtra’s water problems. Although Maharashtra has some of the largest dams in India, 55% of the state remains drought-prone. The Jalyukt Shivar program was turned into a public movement thanks to the efforts of the Naam Foundation.

Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis further shared that Naam Foundation has undertaken various development works in over 1,000 villages, including water conservation in drought-affected areas, education for farmers’ children, women’s empowerment, and supporting girls’ marriages. He acknowledged that the foundation has been addressing the struggles of the common people and stressed that farmer suicides in Maharashtra will only stop when large-scale water conservation efforts ensure that every drop of water is absorbed into the ground.

Fadnavis praised the Naam Foundation for changing people’s mindsets, teaching water management techniques, and demonstrating how actors like Nana Patekar and Makarand Anaspure, through their empathy for the common man’s suffering, can inspire social change.

Naam Foundation’s Transparent Work Inspires Future Initiatives: Industries Minister Uday Samant

Industries Minister Uday Samant lauded the Naam Foundation for its honesty, transparency, and commendable work in various fields. He expressed pride in veteran actors Nana Patekar and Makarand Anaspure, whose social work through the foundation is energizing future initiatives.

Minister Samant urged companies to donate their CSR funds generously to social enterprises like Naam Foundation, which has set an exemplary standard in constructive and transparent work. On this occasion, trustees of the Naam Foundation, representatives of various companies, and NDRF personnel were honored.

CRPF Deputy Inspector General Mr. Nimbalkar and several members of the Naam Foundation were also present at the event.