Udaipur/ Delhi: Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C R Patil, said that water security is a critical pillar to fulfil the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 and emphasised that India is working towards ensuring water security by 2047.
After the inauguration of the 2nd State Water Ministers’ Conference on “Water Security” in Udaipur, Rajasthan, on Tuesday. Union Minister Patil said, “Water conservation is critical, and India is on the right path to securing its water future.”
The conference was attended by MoS Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Chief Minister of Rajasthan Bhajan Lal Sharma, 30 state water ministers, and over 300 delegates from central and state governments.
C R Patil highlighted the community-driven water conservation effort, “Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari,” which has led to the development of 1 million artificial rainwater harvesting structures across India.
“Furthermore, 6 lakh+ water conservation works have been completed under community participation, adopting the ‘Khet ka paani khet me” approach,” he said.
Through this community-driven effort 60000, 1 lakh, and 2.29 lakh artificial recharge structures have been created in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh respectively.
Patil also spoke about the “Jal Shakti Abhiyan” – Catch the Rain initiative, which has completed more than 1.67 crore water conservation works through convergence, focusing on reviving traditional water bodies and efficient water use.
Speaking on the river linking projects, the Ken-Betwa Link (MP-UP) and the Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal ERCP (MP-Rajasthan), he said these projects are transforming India’s water landscape.
” The Ken-Betwa Link project will provide irrigation to 10.62 lakh hectares and drinking water to 62 lakh people, while the Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal ERCP will irrigate 10 lakh hectares and provide drinking water to 50 lakh people,’ he noted.
C R Patil also highlighted the remarkable progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring safe and sustainable drinking water for every rural household in India.
He said the mission has made unprecedented strides, with over 80% of rural households now having access to tap water connections…adding that as a result, more than 15 crore families are benefiting from clean and safe drinking water at their doorstep.”
The minister also mentioned a WHO report estimating that the mission has contributed to the prevention of 4 lakh deaths caused by waterborne diseases like diarrhoea.
Patil also informed about the role of mission in empowering women, the Minister said that 25 lakh women trained to test water quality using field testing kits.
“This initiative has strengthened community-led monitoring, ensuring that water reaching households meets quality standards. Additionally, the availability of tap water has saved 5.5 crore hours per day for women, allowing them to engage in economic, educational, and social activities.”
The All-India State Water Ministers’ Conference, which will be held in Udaipur from 18 to 19 February 2024, will further strengthen efforts to achieve water security and Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The conference was graced by 30 ministers and over 300 delegates from Central and State Governments during these two days. It will feature approximately 35 presentations across six themes, 5 e-launches, and 15 video showcases highlighting key interventions.
