Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan, commending CM Mohan Yadav and his team for turning it into a widespread public movement focused on water conservation. In a message marking the conclusion of the campaign, the Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the people of Madhya Pradesh—especially the Jaldoots, self-help group women, and farmers—whose dedication and efforts brought life to this initiative.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, expressing gratitude to the people of the state, called the 90-day campaign a historic example of community-driven water conservation and thanked citizens for their active role in saving every drop of water.
The Prime Minister congratulated CM Dr. Yadav and the people of Madhya Pradesh for the successful culmination of the campaign, which was launched on Gudi Padwa (March 30) and concluded ceremoniously in Khandwa. A Watershed Conference was also held during the final event.
Major Development Works Inaugurated
At the closing ceremony, CM Dr. Yadav inaugurated and performed bhoomi-pujan for development projects worth ₹1,568 crore. These included 57,207 works under the Panchayat and Rural Development Department (₹578 crore) and 888 watershed structures built under the Watershed Development Component. Four irrigation schemes, including the Jawar Micro Irrigation Project, and 74 renovated water structures were also inaugurated. The Prime Minister’s message was read aloud by Minister Shri Prahlad Singh Patel.
PM Highlights India’s Cultural Link to Water Conservation
In his message, PM Modi reflected on India’s traditional reverence for water and the conservation of rivers, ponds, and stepwells as sacred duties. He emphasized that the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan had carried forward this cultural legacy, transforming into an inspiring movement powered by collective effort. The success of Khandwa in building water conservation infrastructure was highlighted as a model for others to emulate.
He stressed that protecting the environment and leaving a greener planet for future generations can only be achieved through joint efforts. He lauded the ‘Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam’ initiative—which aims to establish orchards on over 30,000 acres—as a perfect blend of ecological protection, maternal respect, and economic upliftment.
Water Conservation as a National Priority
PM Modi underscored the national importance of water conservation, citing missions like Namami Gange, Ken-Betwa Link Project, and the Narmada-Kshipra revival as examples. He said water conservation is both a social responsibility and an economic necessity and expressed hope for continued public participation during the rainy season in tree plantation and water-saving activities as part of India’s development journey during the Amrit Kaal.
PM Modi: The Modern Bhagirath
CM Dr. Yadav described Prime Minister Modi as the “modern Bhagirath,” under whose leadership Madhya Pradesh has received three major national river-linking projects. He noted that from March 30 to June 30, numerous innovations were implemented statewide—farm ponds, Amrit Sarovars, recharge pits, and waterbody renovations under MNREGA. Over 2.39 lakh Jaldoots served as water conservation ambassadors, and 38,000 new farm ponds were constructed.
In Khandwa alone, 1 lakh wells were recharged at a cost of ₹254 crore, making it the top-ranked district in the country. The Indore division also achieved first place in sanitation and water conservation. Across the state, 70,000 water bodies including wells, ponds, and stepwells were preserved.
Key Campaign Outcomes
Dr. Yadav shared key outcomes from the campaign:
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Identification of 140 major drains flowing into 57 rivers
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91 watershed projects across 36 districts
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Construction of 9,000 water structures for irrigation
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Launch of four irrigation schemes in Khandwa
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4°C drop in peak temperature in Nimar region due to water interventions
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Irrigation potential set to expand from 55 lakh to 100 lakh hectares in the coming years
Projects like the Ken-Betwa Link will benefit Bundelkhand, PKC Project will serve Malwa-Chambal, and the Tapi Mega Recharge Project will support Nimar.
Campaign to Continue as ‘Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam’
CM Dr. Yadav announced the continuation of the campaign in a new format. Under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, plantation on government land will take place from June 30 to August 15, followed by plantation on private land from August 15 to September 15.
To promote greenery and sustainable farming, a new scheme will provide 30,000 women with ₹3 lakh each (in three installments) to develop orchards on one acre of land. The ₹900 crore scheme covers plantation, fencing, and irrigation, transforming 30,000 acres over the next three years.
Madhya Pradesh – The Land of Rivers
Dr. Yadav highlighted Madhya Pradesh as the origin of nearly 300 rivers that nourish neighboring states. Iconic rivers like the Narmada, Chambal, Sone, and Tapti were honored, and renovation of ghats along the sacred Narmada was carried out. The CM remembered saint Dada Guru, who completed the Narmada Parikrama thrice without food, and Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya, the proponent of Advaita Vedanta.
Laptops and Scooters for Meritorious Students on July 4
Dr. Yadav announced that on July 4, laptops and scooter assistance will be distributed to outstanding students. Government school students are also being given books, notebooks, and bicycles. Beneficiaries of the Ladli Behna Yojana will receive a festive bonus of ₹250 before Raksha Bandhan. Starting from Bhai Dooj, the monthly assistance will increase from ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 before the elections.
Additional Initiatives
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Solar pumps for farmers with a 90% subsidy
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Approval of pending promotions for government employees (pending for 9 years)
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Recruitment drive for 1 lakh government jobs underway
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Reward of ₹25,000 for helping road accident victims reach hospitals
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Air ambulance services launched for the poor and needy
Leaders in Attendance
The event was attended by Urban Development Minister Shri Kailash Vijayvargiya, Rural Development Minister Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, Tribal Affairs Minister Shri Kunwar Vijay Shah, Water Resources Minister Shri Tulsiram Silawat, Culture and Tourism Minister Shri Dharmendra Lodhi, MoS Smt. Radha Singh, MP Shri Gyaneshwar Patel, MLA Smt. Archana Chitnis, Saint Dada Guru, and other public representatives and officials.