‘Vande Ganga’ Water Conservation Public Campaign

A People’s Movement Through Massive Public Participation: CM Bhajanlal Sharma Calls for Green Rajasthan Through Water Harvesting and Plantation

Jaipur : Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma stated that the ‘Vande Ganga’ Water Conservation Public Campaign, which commenced on June 5 coinciding with World Environment Day and Ganga Dussehra, has transformed into a mass movement through overwhelming public support. Over 1.5 lakh activities have been conducted across the state, engaging more than 11 million citizens.

Speaking at a public gathering at Silu Ghat in Jalore on Wednesday, CM Sharma said that in Indian culture, rivers, mountains, and nature are revered, and this campaign presents an opportunity to both preserve nature and honor cultural values. He urged the people to pledge their commitment to water harvesting and plantation to turn Rajasthan into a lush green state.

Earlier, the Chief Minister visited the Narmadeshwar Mahadev Temple at Silu Ghat as part of the campaign. He offered prayers and performed an aarti to Maa Narmada, seeking prosperity and well-being for the state. He also planted a Peepal sapling in the temple garden, symbolizing the state’s commitment to environmental conservation.

33,000 Sites Engaged in Water Conservation Volunteering

The Chief Minister highlighted that under the campaign, over 20,000 water sources and nearly 17,000 offices, hospitals, and schools have been cleaned. In addition, 7,000 completed projects were inaugurated, and 2,200 new works were launched. About 33,000 locations saw citizens volunteering their labor for water conservation efforts. He noted that while the campaign officially runs till June 20, it will serve as an inspiration for continued water conservation beyond that date.

PM Narendra Modi Credited for Bringing Narmada Water to Jalore-Barmer

CM Sharma credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring the supply of Narmada River water to Jalore and Barmer during his tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister. Highlighting the state’s needs, he said his government has taken historic decisions in the past 18 months to address Rajasthan’s water scarcity.

He cited the Ramjal Setu Link Project, which will provide drinking and irrigation water to 17 districts, and the Yamuna Water Agreement for the Shekhawati region. He added that the government is also working to strengthen the Indira Gandhi Canal Project, ensuring ample water from Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh to Barmer and Jalore.

The government is also progressing on the Dewas Project to secure water for southern Rajasthan. Future plans include utilizing surplus water from the Chambal, Mahi, and Sabarmati Rivers within the state. He also lauded the ‘Karmabhoomi Se Matribhumi’ initiative, where Non-Resident Rajasthanis contribute significantly to water conservation efforts.

Commitment to Youth and Farmers’ Welfare

CM Sharma reaffirmed that under PM Modi’s leadership, the double-engine government is committed to the welfare of women, farmers, youth, and the poor. He announced a statewide exam calendar to ensure timely recruitment and fulfillment of youth aspirations, promising 4 lakh government jobs and 6 lakh private sector opportunities in five years.

For farmers, schemes like Kisan Samman Nidhi and additional wheat bonus at MSP are underway. The government is working to provide ample water and electricity for agriculture, ensuring prosperity and dignity for farmers. Sharma assured that every commitment made by the state government will be fulfilled.

Women, the Poor, and Villages Becoming Self-Reliant

The Chief Minister said the government is actively promoting women’s education, employment, and self-employment. Post-2014, India has moved from slogans like “Garibi Hatao” (Remove Poverty) to concrete poverty alleviation programs.

He spoke about the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Poverty-Free Village Scheme, aiming to uplift 5,000 villages in Rajasthan. Under this scheme, poor households are being linked with state and central welfare programs to make them self-reliant and raise them above the BPL (Below Poverty Line) threshold.

Support and Participation from Leaders and Public

Deputy CM Dr. Premchand Bairwa praised the campaign, saying that CM Sharma’s leadership has helped take the message of water conservation to every citizen and convert it into a true people’s movement.

Minister of Industries and Commerce Shri K.K. Bishnoi noted that unprecedented efforts are being made in Rajasthan for environmental and water conservation. He said the government aims to plant over 10 crore saplings this year.

Prominent attendees at the event included Chief Whip Shri Jogeshwar Garg, MP Shri Lumbaram Chaudhary, MLAs Shri Jeevaram Chaudhary and Shri Chhagan Singh Rajpurohit, other public representatives, officials, and a large gathering of citizens.