Water conservation: Nitin Gadkari urges public participation and tested models in Vidarbha

Union minister Nitin Gadkari called for innovative, tested water conservation models driven by public participation rather than reliance on government alone. Speaking at the Jal Samvad conference, he highlighted work by Purti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha in Vidarbha, including higher water levels, rejuvenated wells, improved irrigation, solar pumps, and reported gains for farmers.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday urged people to back proven, innovative efforts for environmental protection. Nitin Gadkari said such work should rely on public participation. Nitin Gadkari also said society depends too much on the government. Nitin Gadkari spoke at the Jal Samvad conference organised by Purti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha.

The event included national-level water conservation experts and activists. The conference marked 25 years of Purti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha. The organisation has worked on water conservation in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region. Nitin Gadkari said the group’s initiatives created visible changes across several villages.

Water conservation and environment protection models

Nitin Gadkari linked water conservation with wider environmental protection goals. Nitin Gadkari said tested local models can deliver results without waiting for state action. "There is need for undertaking more such innovative models for protection of environment without relying on the government for everything. If we look at everything as the governments responsibility, the government doesnt have that kind of budget for all the big projects we need to do. The government lacks the funds and technology will have to be used, the Union minister added.\"

Nitin Gadkari also spoke about changing social attitudes. Nitin Gadkari said the country would have changed earlier if systems worked well. Nitin Gadkari said society’s weak point is trusting the government and God. Nitin Gadkari added that change needs individuals and society to act together.

Water conservation and Vidarbha impact

Nitin Gadkari said work by Purti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha improved irrigation in parts of Vidarbha. Nitin Gadkari said wells were rejuvenated and water levels rose. Nitin Gadkari said solar pumps were installed in villages. Nitin Gadkari said these steps improved farm conditions in the region.

Nitin Gadkari said the changes affected farmer livelihoods in measurable ways. Nitin Gadkari said farmers’ lives improved after water availability increased. Nitin Gadkari said some farmers began becoming loan free. Nitin Gadkari added that farmer suicides decreased in areas that saw progress.

Water conservation and self-reliance through knowledge

Nitin Gadkari said social initiatives should aim for self-reliance. Nitin Gadkari described knowledge as a mix of key capabilities. \"Innovation, entrepreneurship, science, technology, skill and successful practices, we name as knowledge. And conversion of knowledge into wealth is the future, he said while emphasising on self-reliance through social initiatives.\"

Nitin Gadkari said the organisation’s 25-year record supported the case for public action. Nitin Gadkari said, \"The works accomplished during the 25 year journey of Purti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha show that all such things are possible with peoples participation, he asserted.\" Nitin Gadkari said people should work together to protect water and the environment.

With inputs from PTI