Water Conservation Campaign Can Succeed Only Through Public Participation: Revenue Minister Hemant Meena

— Grand Event Held under ‘Vande Ganga’ in Mandal Subdivision; Water Worship, Public Hearing, and Review Meeting Conducted —

Jaipur : A grand event was held on Monday at the embankment of a pond along the Beawar Road in Mandal subdivision of Bhilwara district as part of the ongoing Vande Ganga water conservation campaign. Speaking at the main function, Revenue Minister Shri Hemant Meena emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma, the entire state cabinet is actively working to turn this initiative into a public movement. He urged every citizen to participate actively to ensure the complete success of the campaign.

Minister Meena stated, “If we fail to understand the importance of this noble mission today, water scarcity in the future is inevitable. Nature is giving us clear signals, and it is in our collective interest to heed them.” He appealed to villagers and officials present to pledge to plant at least one tree in front of their homes, to protect the environment and water sources.

The program began with a ritual water worship ceremony at the pond, followed by an awareness rally, an oath-taking ceremony, and information-sharing sessions on water source conservation plans. The event witnessed the participation of District Collector Shri Jasmeet Singh Sandhu, CEO Chandrabhan Singh Bhati, Sub-Divisional Officer C.L. Sharma, elected panchayat members, and a large number of villagers.

Public Hearing and Review Meeting Held

Following the main event, a public hearing and review meeting took place in the Mandal Panchayat Samiti hall. During the session, Revenue Minister Shri Hemant Meena stated that Bhilwara district currently ranks third at the state level in water conservation efforts, but should strive to reach the top position. He stressed the need for collective action under the leadership of the district administration to achieve this goal.

Local MLA Shri Udaylal Bhadana directed government officials to respond swiftly to public grievances and ensure that welfare schemes reach the maximum number of beneficiaries.

District Collector Shri Jasmeet Singh Sandhu outlined the ongoing campaign activities, including pond cleaning, rainwater harvesting, tree plantation, water conservation pledges, and competitions and awareness programs to engage the public. He added that the Chief Minister has taken significant steps toward restoring traditional water bodies—such as stepwells, ponds, and dams—and it is the shared responsibility of all citizens to conserve water.

Strong Public Participation Observed

The event saw wide participation from local leaders, villagers (both men and women), and government officials. At the conclusion, an oath was administered for water conservation, with an appeal to the public to shoulder their responsibilities towards protecting water, trees, and the environment.

The event was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Namami Gange Mission, and the Rajasthan State Water and Sanitation Mission, with the aim of promoting conservation of traditional water sources, encouraging rainwater harvesting, and fostering public awareness across the state.

Among the dignitaries present were public representative Prashant Mewara, Additional District Collector O.P. Mehra, Zila Parishad CEO Chandrabhan Singh Bhati, Chief Medical Officer Dr. C.P. Goswami, DSP Megha Goyal, Sarpanch Sanjay Bhandiya, Development Officer Gulab Singh Gurjar, Secretary Kajodmal Gurjar, Lalkrishna Sen, Subhash Soni, Mandal President Bhairulal Gadari, Chhitar Mal Kabra, Bhairulal Tadba, Om Bhandiya, Shiv Joshi, Bagor Mandal President Hemendra Singh Ranawat, Vice President Manish Sharma, Shiv Soni, and key block-level officials.