'Vande Ganga' campaign to be launched on Ganga Dussehra with focus on water conservation in Raj villages
Jaipur, May 22
Rajasthan Chief Minister, Bhajanlal Sharma, on Friday announced that the State Government will launch the 'Vande Ganga Water Conservation Campaign' from Ganga Dussehra on May 25, with a special focus on water conservation and rainwater harvesting in rural areas.
Emphasising the importance of public participation, the Chief Minister said effective rainwater management and preservation of ponds can significantly help address water scarcity in villages and improve groundwater levels across the state.
After an overnight stay in Dhambola village of Dungarpur district, Chief Minister Sharma toured the village early on Friday morning and interacted with local residents.
Walking through the village lanes, Sharma stopped frequently to enquire about the well-being of elders and seek their blessings. He also interacted with shopkeepers and gathered information about their businesses and daily livelihoods.
Villagers appeared deeply touched by the Chief Minister's simplicity and cordial behaviour. During the visit, the Chief Minister paused at several locations to listen to public grievances and suggestions, while also seeking feedback regarding the implementation of government welfare schemes.
Referring to the close-knit social fabric of rural life, he observed that villagers stand together in each other's joys and sorrows, strengthening mutual bonds and social harmony. He described the tradition of 'Rama-Shyama', mutual greetings and social bonding, as the true beauty of village culture.
While interacting informally with villagers over tea, the Chief Minister said that the State Government is establishing 'Atal Gyan Kendras' across all Panchayats.
These centres will provide books, newspapers, and study material to rural youth, helping reduce their financial burden and enabling them to prepare for competitive examinations within their own villages. He stated that strengthening basic amenities in villages remains a priority for the State Government and that developmental works would be carried out in a phased manner.
The Chief Minister said that effective rainwater management and the preservation of ponds can significantly reduce water scarcity in villages.
Stressing on the importance of public participation in water conservation, he announced that the State Government will launch the 'Vande Ganga Water Conservation Campaign' from Ganga Dussehra on May 25. Under the campaign, water conservation and rainwater harvesting initiatives will be undertaken with active public participation, helping improve groundwater levels across villages.
He also directed police officials to conduct an extensive awareness campaign against drug abuse across the district and ensure maximum participation of youth in the initiative.
He also instructed the district administration to undertake embankment construction and plantation work at Khemsagar Pond in the village. Responding to demands raised by villagers, he further directed officials to expand sports facilities and ensure quality construction of classrooms at the government school.
During the visit, the Chief Minister stopped to interact with children playing badminton in the village and joined them for a few rounds, encouraging and motivating them. The children were delighted to play badminton with the Chief Minister. He also distributed chocolates among them during the interaction.
Earlier, he visited the Govardhan Nath Ji Temple and Mataji Temple, where he offered prayers for the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of the people of the state. Public representatives and a large number of villagers were present on the occasion.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Jai Rajasthan! 🙏 It's refreshing to see a leader walking through village lanes instead of just holding press conferences. But building Atal Gyan Kendras is great only if they actually get stocked with relevant books and not just for show. Hope the drug awareness campaign also gets proper follow-through.
Living in a village myself, water scarcity during summer is real pain. 🥵 This rainwater harvesting push is what we need. But execution matters more than announcements - CM ji should ensure ponds are actually desilted and check dams built. Also, the 'Rama-Shyama' tradition he mentioned is dying out in cities, good he's acknowledging village culture.
The focus on ponds and groundwater recharge is spot-on for Rajasthan. 🌧️ But I hope the campaign isn't limited to just one day - real conservation needs sustained effort throughout the monsoon. Also, drug abuse awareness is overdue in our villages where synthetic drugs are entering. Good that CM is taking it seriously.
I appreciate the sentiment, but let's be honest - every government launches water conservation campaigns, yet our villages still face water crisis every summer. 😕 What's different this time? The CM's personal visit is commendable, but I'll judge the 'Vande Ganga' campaign by its actual results in next year's groundwater levels, not by today's press releases.
Playing badminton with children and distributing chocolates - small gestures that create big memories for those kids. 😊 The rural connectivity aspect is often overlooked by leaders. Water conservation is vital, but so is the sports facility expansion he mentioned. Let's hope this becomes
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