World Water Day: From Drought-Prone to Water-Rich: Gujarat’s Transformation Over the Last 2.5 Decades

Gandhinagar (
Gujarat
)[India], March 21 (ANI): Each year, March 22 is marked as
water
– day”>Global Water Day. On this occasion,
Gujarat
‘s
water
A conservation and management model ought to be examined.

Throughout the last twenty-five years,
Gujarat
, spanning across 196 lakh hectares, has undergone a transformation
water
transformed a crisis into an opportunity via forward-thinking policies. According to a press release from the Chief Minister’s office, these initiatives have guaranteed the state’s
water
safety measures, thriving agriculture, and job creation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a pivotal role as the chief designer of
Gujarat
‘s incredible
water
journey toward prosperity. Over his approximately fifteen-year term as Chief Minister,
Gujarat
, he reshaped the state’s
water
preservation and administration, charting a fresh course for advancement.

Today,
Gujarat
has successfully used approximately 61.32 lakh hectares out of its total 70 lakh hectares of irrigation potential. The building of 1,87,403 check dams has helped ensure groundwater recharge.
water
recharge and sustainable
water
supply.

Gujarat
‘s success in
water
The management has received national recognition. In October 2024, President Droupadi Murmu honored them.
Gujarat
for excellence in
water
administration during the National Water Awards ceremony.

The
Sardar Sarovar Project
is the biggest landmark in
Gujarat
‘s
water
Management, and now acts as the state’s lifeline. This one initiative has brought about a transformative change.
water
supply and irrigation across
Gujarat
.

The dam, standing at 163 meters high, is intended to supply irrigation to around 180,000 hectares of arable land spread over 3,173 villages in 17 districts. Additionally, it provides drinking water.
water
up to 10,453 villages and 183 towns across 30 districts.

Devoted to North and Central
Gujarat
, the
Sujalam Sufalam Scheme
has served as a major landmark in
Gujarat
‘s
water
Under this program, a 337-kilometer-long Sujalam Sufalam Spreading Canal was built, providing farmers with improved irrigation services and boosting groundwater levels.
water
levels.

In addition, plans were made for 14 lift irrigation pipeline projects to use the excess water from the Narmada.
water
in North
Gujarat
Out of these, 13 projects have already been finished. These completed initiatives have linked up 959 water bodies spanning 550 villages, offering irrigation advantages to 1,02,700 hectares of agricultural land.

To address
water
concerns in regions with indigenous populations, the
Gujarat
government has launched large-scale
water
conservation projects under the
Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana
Under this program, 26,951
water
Conservation initiatives have been finished, which has positively impacted 4,07,983 hectares of indigenous territory.

Moreover, 9 significant lift irrigation projects have been finished, offering
water
up to 48,988 hectares of land and 605 villages. This program has significantly contributed to strengthening tribal communities and enhancing their independence.

Gujarat
‘s
SAUNI Yojana
is becoming crucial for the Saurashtra area. This initiative involves redistributing 1 MAF ( Million Acre Feet ) of excess water from the Narmada.
water
has been delivered to 99 reservoirs via a 1,320 km long pipeline system, providing benefits to 8.24 lakh acres of farmland.

Furthermore, as part of Phase 1 of the Kutch Water Project, four significant pipeline connections are being constructed with an investment of Rs 4,118 crores to guarantee a dependable supply.
water
supply in the region.

As part of the Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan initiative initiated by the
Gujarat
In 2018, the government completed 1.07 lakh projects, leading to an increase
water
storage capacity increased by 119,144 lakh cubic feet. Likewise, the central government’s ‘Jal Sanchay, Jan Bhagidari’ initiative has transformed
water
conversion into a widespread movement
Gujarat
through community participation.

Programs such as constructing check dams, deepening ponds, and capturing rainfall
water
Harvesting techniques have notably enhanced soil conditions.
water
The “Amrit Sarovar” project is also a significant achievement, having led to the construction of 2,650 such tanks spread over 33 districts within the state.

As part of the Jal Jeevan Mission initiated by the central government, the
Gujarat
The government has concentrated on an robust pipeline system and efficiency.
water
resource management, guaranteeing the availability of clean drinking water
water
to every household.

Modern technologies and
water
conservation projects have been implemented, especially in remote and
water
-scarce areas.
Gujarat
‘Success has positioned it as one of the leading states to accomplish the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ objective.’ (ANI)