“Groundwater Enrichment Mission Will Be a Milestone in Water Conservation”: CM Sai

Raipur, May 20

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai today launched the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Groundwater Enrichment Mission (Urban). Under this initiative, all urban local bodies across the state will work in mission mode to conserve and enhance groundwater and rainwater resources. During the launch event organized by the Urban Administration and Development Department at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in Raipur, the Chief Minister unveiled the mission brochure and released a video detailing the mission. He also handed over compassionate appointment letters to the families of 18 employees from nine urban local bodies who passed away during service.

The event was graced by Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Administration & Development Minister Shri Arun Sao, Minister of Water Resources and Raipur District In-charge Shri Kedar Kashyap, MLAs Rajesh Munat, Sunil Soni, Motilal Sahu, Purandar Mishra, Guru Khushwant Saheb, Indra Kumar Sahu, Raipur Mayor Meenal Chaubey, and India’s renowned “Waterman” Shri Rajendra Singh.

At the launch, a workshop was held where hydrologists, colonizers, industrial groups, and officials from the Forest Department, Public Works Department, Public Health Engineering Department, and Water Resources Department deliberated on water conservation, its strategies, and anticipated outcomes. Shri Arun Sao and Shri Rajendra Singh also addressed the workshop and responded to participants’ questions. A team from Surat Municipal Corporation in Gujarat shared their practices for rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.

While addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said, “Life is unimaginable without water. Concerned with the sustainable availability of water, the Urban Administration Department has initiated this ambitious mission. I thank Deputy CM Shri Arun Sao and the department for this significant step.” He expressed hope that the mission would prove to be a milestone in conserving and enriching both rainwater and groundwater.

He added that several measures are already being taken in the state for water conservation. The Panchayat and Rural Development Department is implementing the “Mor Gaon Mor Pani” (My Village, My Water) campaign with active participation from villagers. He emphasized that the goal of both campaigns is the same. Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call, new ponds are being constructed and old ones revived nationwide under the Amrit Sarovar initiative. CM Sai mentioned that experts held a four-hour dialogue on the effective implementation of the mission, warning that inaction today could lead to water crises in the future.

Deputy CM Shri Arun Sao, speaking at the launch, said that experts held extensive discussions on strategies for rainwater collection, conservation, and groundwater recharge. Guidance was received from Waterman Shri Rajendra Singh and Surat Municipal Corporation’s experts. During the discussions, suggestions emerged to incorporate water conservation into school curricula and adapt crop cycles based on rainfall patterns. He stated that considering future challenges of water supply for drinking and other needs in urban areas, this mission has been launched. He added that Chhattisgarh receives adequate rainfall, and with careful collection and conservation, water-related issues can be mitigated.

Water Resources Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap expressed satisfaction over the launch, stating that the mission will likely set benchmarks in its implementation. Under the leadership of CM Vishnu Deo Sai, Chhattisgarh has secured first place in water conservation through community participation. He emphasized the importance of water and the need to seriously work on the recharge and restoration of water sources. The Water Resources Department is also actively contributing to this mission.

The program was attended by Urban Administration and Development Secretary Dr. Basavaraju S., Director Shri R. Ekka, SUDA CEO Shri Shashank Pandey, mayors, chairpersons, commissioners of municipal corporations, presidents and CMs of municipal councils and nagar panchayats, engineers from urban local bodies, water experts, social workers, representatives of NGOs, and officers from the Urban Administration Department and SUDA.