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Water Conservation Must Be a Mass Movement: Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasized that water conservation must become a mass movement to eliminate Vidarbha's stigma as a "farmer suicide zone." He stated India lacks proper water resource planning, not water, and advocated for organic farming, drip irrigation, and AI in agriculture. Gadkari highlighted successful initiatives like using farm pond soil for highways and the Tamaswada Model. The Poorti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha will celebrate its silver jubilee with national conferences in Nagpur.

Key Points: Water Conservation as Mass Movement: Gadkari

  • Gadkari calls for water conservation as a mass movement
  • India lacks proper water planning, not water
  • Drip irrigation and AI in agriculture key
  • Tamaswada Model recognized nationwide
2 min read

Water conservation must be a mass movement: Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari calls for water conservation as a mass movement to end Vidarbha's farmer suicide stigma and ensure prosperity.

"Water conservation must become a mass movement to remove the stigma of Vidarbha being known as a 'farmer suicide zone' - Nitin Gadkari"

Nagpur, May 10

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said on Sunday that water conservation should become a mass movement to remove the stigma of Vidarbha being known as a "farmer suicide zone" and ensure prosperity in the region.

Gadkari was addressing a press conference in the run-up to the silver jubilee of Poorti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha, which works in the field of water conservation in Vidarbha, the "Jalsamvad" (water dialogue) and "Jalkranti" (water-revolution), which will be celebrated here on May 17 and 18.

Gadkari further said that there is no water scarcity in India, but the country lacks proper planning and management of water resources. He also clarified that water management can be achieved through organic farming, drip irrigation, and the use of artificial intelligence in agriculture.

The minister pointed out that the use of soil excavated from farm ponds in the construction of national highways has helped increase groundwater levels in the western Vidarbha districts of Akola, Washim, and Buldhana. He also underscored that farmers in the region have changed their cropping patterns accordingly.

Participation of non-governmental organisations in water conservation is important, but people's active participation is equally valuable, hence; water conservation must become a mass movement, Gadkari asserted.

He further stated that in the groundwater-deficient "dark zone" areas of Warud-Morshi and Katol-Narkhed, conservation work related to deepening rivers and streams is being carried out with public participation, and through these efforts, water conservation projects are being undertaken in the region. Gadkari also appealed to local self-government bodies to contribute significantly to these initiatives.

Poorti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha has been constantly working in water conservation for the last 25 years. The 'Tamaswada Model' developed by the organisation is being recognised across the country.

Marking the silver jubilee year of the organisation, two-day national conferences have been organised in Nagpur. The silver jubilee celebrations will be held in two phases - "Nagpur Jalsamvad-2026" on May 17, 2026, and the "Jalkranti Conference" on May 18, 2026.

Prominent water experts, Padma awardees, and distinguished personalities from the social sector from across the country are expected to participate in these events.

On the silver jubilee celebrations, important books such as 'Jalparva', 'Jalkranti', 'Krishikalyan', and 'Corridors of Water Security' will also be released by distinguished dignitaries.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Gadkari ji always thinks practically. Using soil from farm ponds for highway construction is brilliant - solves two problems at once. But I wish they'd also focus on urban water conservation. Our cities waste so much water while villages struggle. Still, good initiative overall.
S
Sneha F
It's heartening to see attention on Vidarbha's water issues. My family is from Amravati and every year we hear about farmer distress. But talk is cheap - we need implementation and monitoring. Let's see how this mass movement actually pans out on ground. 🤔
K
Kavya N
Minister sahab is absolutely right - India has enough water but management is poor. In our village in Karnataka, we've started rainwater harvesting and reuse systems, and it's made a real difference. Drip irrigation and AI in agriculture could transform our farming. Need to scale this up nationwide! 🇮🇳
M
Manish T
I appreciate the sentiment but we've heard such promises before. The real issue is political will in implementing water conservation schemes. Local bodies need real powers and funds, not just appeals. Also, why isn't there more emphasis on stopping water pollution? Clean water is equally important. 😕
P
Priya S
This is great news! The fact that an NGO has been working consistently for 25 years shows what community effort can achieve. The Jalsamvad and Jalkranti conferences sound exciting - I hope they invite farmers and local leaders too, not just experts. Real change happens when everyone participates! 🌱

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