“Vande Ganga Jal Campaign” Becomes Mass Movement with Public Participation: CM Bhajanlal Sharma

Water Conservation Will Help Realize the Dream of ‘Hariyalo Rajasthan’
Haldighati Victory Day Symbolizes Freedom, Pride, and Self-Respect, Says CM
Urges Citizens to Plant a Tree in Mother’s Name

Jaipur : Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma emphasized that only through water conservation can the vision of a green and flourishing “Hariyalo Rajasthan” be realized. He stated that the Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan-Jan Abhiyan has transformed into a mass movement due to active public participation. The CM urged citizens to preserve every drop of rainwater during the monsoon and undertake extensive tree plantation drives.

Speaking at a program held in Rajsamand under this campaign, the Chief Minister said that they had gathered on this proud land of Mewar with the aim of water and environmental conservation. He reminded the audience that on this very day, June 18, 1576, the Battle of Haldighati was fought—a battle that went beyond warfare to symbolize the defense of freedom, pride, and self-respect. He praised Maharana Pratap for his unmatched bravery in facing Emperor Akbar’s vast army with a small force and limited resources, calling him an eternal inspiration for all Indians. Haldighati Victory Day, he said, reminds us to stand firm for our nation, culture, and values.

Worship and Plantation at Rajsamand Lake

As part of the campaign, CM Sharma performed religious rituals and lake worship (Jheel Aarti) at the Nau Chowki Pal of Rajsamand Lake, followed by the planting of a Sindoor tree. Earlier, he visited Dwarkadhish Temple in Kankroli, where he offered prayers for the state’s welfare. Temple official Bhagwati Lal Paliwal welcomed him with traditional honors and offered prasad.

Campaign Promoting Water Conservation Culture

CM Sharma recalled that the campaign was launched by the state government on 5 June, coinciding with World Environment Day and Ganga Dussehra. Running until 20 June, the campaign focuses on building water harvesting structures, cleaning water sources, reviving traditional reservoirs, and spreading awareness about water conservation. These efforts aim to collect and store rainwater efficiently. He lauded the wisdom of ancestors who built stepwells, ponds, and wells as unique means of conserving water and said that this campaign is a new step to carry forward that water heritage. The goal, he emphasized, is to spread the message of water conservation to every village, city, and individual.

Ensuring Sufficient Water Supply is a Top Priority

The Chief Minister stated that the government is committed to fulfilling Rajasthan’s water needs. Historic projects such as the Ramjal Setu Link Project and Yamuna Water Agreement, which had been pending for decades, have now been revived. Other ongoing efforts include enhancing water availability through the Indira Gandhi Canal, Dewas Project, Mahi Dam, and Som-Kamala-Amba Projects. The goal is to make Rajasthan self-reliant in water management. He added that inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘One Tree in Mother’s Name’ initiative, over 7 crore saplings were planted last year.

Empowering Women Through Government Initiatives

CM Sharma praised PM Modi’s leadership post-2014 for bringing transformative change, especially in women empowerment. Through RAJEEVIKA, women have received financial support, enabling self-reliance and livelihood opportunities. Initiatives such as constructing toilets across the country, providing LPG gas through Ujjwala Yojana, and ensuring tap water supply under Har Ghar Jal have strengthened dignity and well-being in households.

Commitment to Uplift Women, Farmers, Youth, and Workers

CM Sharma echoed PM Modi’s vision that women, farmers, youth, and workers form the core pillars of society. The state government is committed to uplifting these four groups. He promised that 4 lakh government jobs would be provided to youth over the next 5 years. Employment opportunities will also come through MOUs signed under the Rising Rajasthan Summit. He highlighted various welfare schemes like the Kisan Samman Nidhi and Gopal Credit Card, and affirmed that the state and central governments are running numerous programs for the poor. He added that the state aims to make 5,000 villages poverty-free by creating livelihood opportunities and making rural populations self-reliant.

Deputy CM Praises the Campaign

Deputy CM Dr. Premchand Bairwa praised the Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan-Jan Abhiyan as a powerful initiative launched under the leadership of CM Bhajanlal Sharma. He said the campaign has given new direction to water conservation efforts and will accelerate Rajasthan’s development goals.

Financial Support and Recognition

During the event, the Chief Minister handed over ₹2.51 crore to 240 women self-help groups via Mahila Nidhi, and ₹11 crore to 297 SHGs through bank credit linkage. He also received ₹2 crore under CSR funding from various institutions in support of the Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan. Earlier, the CM also visited an exhibition organized by the Rajsamand District Administration showcasing progress under the campaign.

Dignitaries Present

The event was attended by MLA Deepti Maheshwari, Surendra Singh Rathore, local public representatives, and a large number of citizens.