Water Self-Reliance is Crucial for a Safe and Prosperous Future: Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma

Udaipur/Jaipur. Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma emphasized the importance of adopting water conservation measures to move towards water self-reliance, ensuring a safe and prosperous future for the coming generations. He stated that achieving water self-reliance requires a well-structured roadmap, which includes key aspects like agricultural and urban water management and technological innovations.

Shri Sharma was addressing the second All India Conference of State Water Ministers in Udaipur on Tuesday. He expressed gratitude to the Union Minister for Jal Shakti for organizing this event and called it a live example of cooperative federalism. He also highlighted that while water is a state subject in our constitutional framework, it has become a matter of coordination and cooperation between states due to the tireless efforts of the Prime Minister.

**Prime Minister Has Given Top Priority to Water Conservation**

Shri Sharma stated that under the leadership of the successful Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, water self-reliance plays a crucial role in fulfilling India’s dream of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He mentioned that the Prime Minister's Bhagirathi efforts, such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, aim to provide tap water to every household in the country. This initiative has already benefited millions of people in Rajasthan, and the state government is working rapidly to provide tap connections to remaining households. He further added that the Prime Minister has given top priority to water conservation in the country’s development agenda, with the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Jal Shakti to ensure the effective implementation of water-related projects.

**Ram Jal Setu Link Project is Lifeline for Rajasthan**

Shri Sharma also discussed the Ram Jal Setu Link Project, calling it the lifeline of the state. Through this project, 17 districts of Rajasthan will benefit from irrigation across 4 lakh hectares of land, and over 3 crore people will have access to drinking water. He highlighted that through the "Karmabhoomi Se Maatrubhoomi" initiative, migrant Rajasthani workers are contributing to the construction of recharge wells for groundwater replenishment in over 60,000 villages across the state. He added that the state government is taking various steps for water conservation, including the promotion of drought-resistant crops, urban water management, modern techniques for wastewater purification and reuse, and the use of technology for monitoring water quality and sources.

**Central Government is Creating an Effective Water Management Plan: Union Minister of Jal Shakti**

Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Patil mentioned that the central government is working towards the vision of making India a water-secure nation by 2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister Modi. He stated that the emphasis on cleanliness, with the construction of 12 crore toilets, has benefited 60 crore people and significantly reduced serious diseases like diarrhea. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, clean drinking water is now available to 15 crore households. To check water purity, 25 lakh women have been provided with kits and training. He also spoke about the "Catch the Rain" campaign for rainwater harvesting, through which migrant workers are contributing to groundwater replenishment in their villages.

**Revised PKC Link Project Will Provide More Water to Rajasthan**

Shri Patil further explained that under the Ram Jal Setu Project (revised PKC Link Project), Rajasthan will receive more water. This project will ensure a significant water supply to the state in the coming years. He also mentioned that the surplus water from the Yamuna, due to quick decisions by Rajasthan and Haryana states, will make it possible for this water to flow into Rajasthan. He called on everyone to pledge to make India a water-secure nation by 2047, ensuring clean water to every household, freeing farmers from water scarcity, and reviving rivers and water bodies.

**Odisha and Tripura Chief Ministers Also Contribute to Water Conservation Efforts**

Odisha's Chief Minister Shri Mohan Chandra Manji mentioned that large rivers like the Mahanadi, Godavari, Narmada, and Brahmaputra flow through Odisha, increasing the responsibility for water conservation. He stated that although rainfall in Odisha is adequate, its distribution is uneven, and therefore flood control and water conservation projects are a priority in the state. He highlighted the crucial role of women's self-help groups in groundwater recharge efforts.

Tripura’s Chief Minister Shri Manik Saha said that 70% of Tripura is forested, and most of the population depends on agriculture for livelihood. His government is focusing on expanding irrigation projects to boost agricultural productivity and increase farmers' income. Due to limited water storage capacity, the state is focusing on rainwater conservation structures and small irrigation dams.

**Other Distinguished Speakers at the Event**

The event also included speeches from Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Shri Mukesh Agnihotri, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Saw, and Secretary of Water Resources, Government of India, Sushri Debashree Mukherjee. During the event, the Chief Minister participated in the Water Pot Ceremony and launched the e-launch of various initiatives including "Water Life Mission: Breaking the Social Barrier," a film and song on water conservation, and the "Water Heritage Sites of India" monograph.

**Tribute to Maharana Pratap**

The Chief Minister and Union Minister of Jal Shakti also paid floral tributes to the statue of Maharana Pratap at the Maharana Pratap Gaurav Kendra. They also officially launched the borewell program under the "Karmabhoomi Se Maatrubhoomi" initiative for water conservation and public participation at the center's premises.