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Gujarat to Deepen 10 Ponds Per Taluka in Major Water Conservation Push

The Gujarat government has launched the Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan 2.0, a public participation campaign for water conservation. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the drive, which will focus on deepening 10 ponds in every taluka across the state until May 31. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Catch the Rain" call and involves multiple government departments. Since its inception in 2018, the campaign has significantly increased water storage capacity and generated substantial employment.

Key Points: Gujarat's Sujalam Sufalam Drive to Deepen 10 Ponds Per Taluka

  • Deepen 10 ponds per taluka
  • Campaign runs Feb 23-May 31
  • Aligns with PM's "Catch the Rain" call
  • Aims to increase water storage capacity
  • Involves six state departments
2 min read

Gujarat to deepen 10 ponds per taluka under statewide Sujalam Sufalam water drive​

Gujarat launches Sujalam Sufalam 2.0, aiming to deepen 10 ponds in every taluka to boost groundwater before monsoon. Learn about the campaign's goals.

"The campaign... focuses on strengthening water storage systems and promoting rainwater harvesting across the state. - Official Statement"

Gandhinagar, Feb 23

Gujarat will deepen 10 ponds in every taluka as part of a statewide water conservation drive launched on Monday, with the state government aiming to further raise groundwater levels ahead of the monsoon.

​Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel formally launched the Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan, Water Conservation Public Participation 2.0, at Bhat village in Gandhinagar district, beginning the campaign by initiating the deepening of a village pond.​

Once completed, the pond's storage capacity is expected to reach 2.01 lakh cubic feet.​

The campaign, which runs from February 23 to May 31, focuses on strengthening water storage systems and promoting rainwater harvesting across the state.​

It has been launched in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Catch the Rain" call for water conservation.​

Under the programme, around six state government departments, Water Resources, Water Supply, Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam, Rural Development, Forest and Environment, and Urban Development, will undertake works in all districts through public participation.​

The activities include deepening of existing ponds, desilting of check dams, reservoirs, and rivers, repair of damaged check dams, maintenance and cleaning of canals and minor channels, rainwater harvesting structures, farm ponds, earthen embankments, terrace and forest ponds, and cleaning of drinking water sources, tanks, sumps, and intake structures.​

Repair of lake waste weirs and the removal of obstructions, such as wild babul and shrubs, blocking river flow, are also part of the campaign.​

The state government has been conducting the Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan annually in mission mode since 2018.​

Between 2018 and 2025, a total of 1,22,299 works were undertaken. These included 39,542 works related to pond deepening and the creation of new ponds, 26,544 check-dam desilting works, and the cleaning of canals and minor channels covering 82,240 kilometres.​

According to official figures, these efforts increased Gujarat's water storage capacity by 1,39,959 lakh cubic feet and generated 210 lakh man-days of employment over eight years.​

Minister of State for Water Resources and Water Supply Ishwarsinh Patel, MP Hasmukh Patel, MLAs Alpesh Thakor and Rita Patel, Gandhinagar Mayor Mira Patel, senior officials, and residents attended the launch event.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great to see continued focus on water conservation. The employment generation figure is impressive - 210 lakh man-days! This shows how environmental projects can also boost the local economy. More states should adopt such mission-mode approaches.
R
Rohit P
While the intent is good, I hope there is proper oversight. Sometimes in these large drives, the work is done hastily and the ponds silt up again in a couple of monsoons. Community participation in maintenance is key for long-term success.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has visited rural Gujarat, the transformation in water availability since 2018 is noticeable. The 'Catch the Rain' campaign is a simple yet powerful idea. This is the kind of development work that truly benefits every citizen.
V
Vikram M
Excellent! Water is life. In my village in Saurashtra, such ponds (called 'talav') are the lifeline for cattle and agriculture. Deepening them before monsoon means more water for the dry months. Hope they also focus on water quality and preventing contamination.
M
Michael C
The scale is commendable - 1,22,299 works since 2018. Integrating multiple departments (Forest, Urban Development etc.) shows a holistic approach. The challenge will be sustaining this year after year and adapting to changing climate patterns.

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