Madhya Pradesh will continue its water conservation efforts despite the conclusion of the third phase of the Jal Ganga Sanvardhan Abhiyan, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Tuesday, citing forecasts of below-normal rainfall due to the expected impact of El Niño.
Addressing the campaign’s closing programme at Bhainswa Mata in Rajgarh district, Yadav said the state would continue work on rainwater harvesting, river conservation, Amrit Sarovars and the restoration of traditional water bodies to strengthen water security.
The Chief Minister said the third phase of the campaign, which began on March 19 and ran for nearly 100 days, resulted in the completion of over 3.62 lakh water conservation works across the state at an estimated cost of Rs 10,514 crore.
During the programme, Yadav inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 31 development projects worth Rs 252.65 crore. He also announced Rs 20 crore for the development of the Bhainswa Mata area.
Highlighting the importance of water conservation, the Chief Minister said protecting traditional water structures built by previous generations was a shared responsibility. He added that expanding irrigation remained a priority to improve agricultural productivity and strengthen farmers’ incomes.
Yadav also distributed benefits worth more than Rs 21.38 crore to beneficiaries under various state and Central welfare schemes. The assistance included bank loans to self-help groups, financial support for dairy and food processing enterprises, irrigation subsidies and benefits under housing and urban livelihood schemes.
Earlier, the Chief Minister offered prayers at the Bhainswa Mata Temple, performed Ganga and cow worship, and planted a bel sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. He also inaugurated a development exhibition on the Jal Ganga Sanvardhan Abhiyan and released publications highlighting water conservation initiatives in Rajgarh.
For more coverage on water conservation, governance and Madhya Pradesh politics, read updates on https://visionmp.com/.
