The Gujarat government on Wednesday claimed that its water conservation drive — Sujalam Sufalam Jal Sanchay Abhiyan — was a total success. Against its anticipated target of 16,616 works of deepening of ponds and lakes across the state, 18,220 works were accomplished by the end of the programme that began during the month of May. Agriculture Minister RC Faldu and Minister of State for Home, Pradipsinh Jadeja shared the information on the eve of concluding day.
Talking to the media in Gandhinagar, Faldu said, "The government has achieved 110 per cent target in the works completed under the drive with increase in the water storage capacity of more than 11,000 lakh cubic feet rain water through different sources like ponds, reservoirs, check dams, bori bandh and other. Total of such 18,220 works have been completed by government with the support of different organisations and people. More than 2.64 lakh people in rural and urban areas gave the physical contribution by labour works required and around 2,400 organisation gave their support by providing with finance and other facilities."
The government also claimed that over 14,000 equipments of earth movers and tractors were taken for use under this drive. Patan district stood first with 156 per cent target achievement.
Jadeja said, "As many as 8,588 works are fully completed while rest of 9,632 are underway but about to complete in a few days. The drive could successfully generate 61.15 lakh man days employment and labourers were paid the remuneration accordingly. More than 31,000 ton muck was drained out from Kharicut canal in Ahmedabad only and such other initiatives were taken across the state. The drive has remained successful and people of Gujarat will taste sweet fruits of the same in next season of monsoon."
The drive began on 1 May and the entire government machinery was focused on the same. The effort to store rainwater in different reserves and recharge ground water was aimed through this exercise.
The programme will be concluded on Thursday wherein CM, Dy CM, ministers and other office bearers of the government would be present at 40 different places across the state. The CM will be at Dhandhuka town in Ahmedabad district. Those who contributed at making this drive successful will be felicitated by the government at the event.
CLAIMS OF SUCCESS
- The programme will be concluded on Thursday wherein CM, Dy CM, ministers would be present at 40 different places across the state
- The CM will be at Dhandhuka. Those who contributed at making this drive successful will be felicitated by the state at the event
