Water Conservation Must Become a Peoples Movement: Nitin Gadkari

Nagpur, May 11: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, emphasized the need to transform water conservation into a people’s movement. This statement was made on Sunday as part of efforts to prevent the Vidarbha region from being labeled as a ‘farmer suicide area’ and to ensure prosperity in the region.

Gadkari was addressing a press conference organized to mark the silver jubilee of the Purti Irrigation Prosperity Welfare Organization, which focuses on water conservation. The event will be celebrated on May 17 and 18 in Nagpur.

He pointed out that India does not face a water shortage; rather, it suffers from inadequate planning and management of water resources. Gadkari also highlighted that effective water management can be achieved through organic farming, drip irrigation, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture.

The minister noted that the construction of national highways has led to an increase in groundwater levels in the Akola, Washim, and Buldhana districts of western Vidarbha, thanks to soil excavated from agricultural ponds. He stressed that local farmers have adapted their cropping methods accordingly.

Gadkari underscored the importance of non-governmental organizations in water conservation efforts but emphasized that active public participation is equally vital. Therefore, water conservation must become a collective movement.

He mentioned that conservation activities related to deepening rivers and streams in the groundwater-depleted ‘dark zones’ of Varud-Morshi and Katol-Narkhed are being conducted with public involvement. These initiatives are part of broader water conservation projects in the region. Gadkari also called on local self-governing bodies to contribute significantly to these efforts.

The Purti Irrigation Prosperity Welfare Organization has been actively working in the field of water conservation for the past 25 years. Its ‘Tamasvad Model’ is gaining recognition across the country.

To celebrate its silver jubilee, a two-day national conference will be held in Nagpur. The celebrations will occur in two phases: ‘Nagpur Jal Samvad-2026’ on May 17, 2026, and ‘Jal Kranti Conference’ on May 18, 2026.

Renowned water experts, Padma awardees, and prominent figures from the social sector will participate in these events.