Gandhinagar: Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced today that the Gujarat government will initiate its annual water conservation campaign, the Sujalam Suphalam Jal Abhiyan, starting February 21. This proactive measure aims to enhance water storage capabilities ahead of the monsoon season, minimizing potential disruptions caused by early rains.
During a cabinet meeting, government spokesperson Minister Jitubhai Vaghani emphasized the importance of this initiative, which has been ongoing for eight consecutive years. The campaign focuses on deepening ponds and restoring water bodies, ensuring maximum water retention. “By commencing the work earlier this year, we aim to fortify our water infrastructure and optimize storage,” Vaghani stated.
The decision to advance the campaign’s start date is also influenced by the upcoming Holi festival, which falls on March 3. This timing is intended to prevent delays linked to workers returning home for the holiday, ensuring sustained progress in the conservation efforts.
Historically, the Sujalam Suphalam Jal Abhiyan has been instrumental in Gujarat’s water management strategy. Since its inception in 2018, the initiative has successfully stored approximately 13,994 million cubic feet of water and created over 260 lakh man-days of employment, according to Vaghani. These figures highlight the campaign’s dual focus on environmental sustainability and economic support.
As the state gears up for another round of conservation efforts, stakeholders are optimistic about the campaign’s potential to mitigate water scarcity challenges faced during the dry months.