Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 24: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital on Monday, credited the Gujarat model of water conservation as a major inspiration behind his state’s ambitious ‘Jal Ganga Sanvardhan Abhiyan’, a mission aimed at rejuvenating water bodies and enhancing groundwater resources.
Speaking after the meeting, CM Yadav highlighted how Gujarat’s success in reviving traditional water systems under Modi’s leadership had served as a blueprint for Madhya Pradesh’s own efforts. He formally invited the Prime Minister to conclude the campaign on June 30, either virtually or in person — an invitation the Prime Minister has accepted.
Launched in March, the Jal Ganga Sanvardhan Abhiyan is a statewide water conservation drive focused on restoring traditional water structures such as wells, stepwells, and riverbanks, while also constructing new scientific water bodies. According to the Chief Minister, the campaign marks the first time in India that tools like SIPRI (Software for Identification and Planning of Rural Infrastructure) and PLANER, developed in collaboration with ISRO and MPSEDC, have been used to map and implement water conservation efforts at the gram panchayat level.
A shining example of the mission’s success is the revival of the Ghoda Pachhad River in Khandwa district. Once dried up due to overuse of groundwater, the 33-km-long river now flows again, thanks to targeted interventions and structural efforts. As a result, Khandwa received special recognition at the national level for groundwater rejuvenation.
Madhya Pradesh has also made significant progress in creating Amrit Sarovars, farm ponds, and recharge wells across the state, leading to visible improvements in irrigation and agricultural productivity. The campaign has positioned the state among the top four in India in terms of water body conservation efforts.
Further expanding its environmental focus, the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board has been actively surveying key rivers including the Narmada, Chambal, and Shipra, mapping pollution sources and facilitating the installation of sewage treatment plants to curb contamination levels.
In a remarkable achievement on the ecological front, the state has also increased its number of Ramsar-designated wetlands from one in 2002 to five in 2025. Notably, Indore has earned the distinction of becoming India’s first Wetland City.
CM Yadav underlined that the campaign is more than just infrastructure development — it is about securing the future of rural communities and ensuring ecological balance for generations to come. With the support and vision inspired by Prime Minister Modi, Madhya Pradesh aims to lead the way in sustainable water management.