Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday emphasized the urgent need for collective efforts to conserve water for future generations. Speaking at a workshop on “Water Conservation and Augmentation” under the Sujalam Bharat initiative at Omaya Garden in Raipur, he said, “Water is our future, and we must work together to secure it.” The Chief Minister also offered water at a symbolic water vessel to promote the message of water conservation.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly expressed concern over the growing water crisis. He stressed that a lack of public awareness can worsen the situation further. “Across the state, people are making efforts in their own way to conserve water. Such platforms help in sharing these experiences, which can play a decisive role in shaping policies,” he said.
The Chief Minister shared an inspiring story from his visit to Rajnandgaon, where a woman sarpanch took the initiative to revive dried hand pumps. Her innovative effort was recognized by the Central Government, which also extended financial support to expand the initiative. “Such examples inspire us to turn water conservation into a people’s movement to secure our future,” he added. Sai emphasized that inputs and suggestions from the symposium would help build effective future action plans.
Kelou River Water Offered to Symbolize Earth’s Nurturing Power
At the beginning of the event, Chief Minister Sai offered sacred water from the Kelo River into a ceremonial vessel representing Earth, symbolizing the importance of preserving every drop of water. “Water is life,” he said. “Our rivers are life-giving forces that nurture our civilization, culture, and existence. Rivers like Mahanadi, Indravati, Shivnath, Kelo, and others are the lifelines of Chhattisgarh. They not only make the land fertile but also sustain agriculture, industry, and daily life.”
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He urged people to respect water resources and preserve them for future generations, stating that water conservation must become a personal and collective commitment. “Let us make this resolution part of our daily lives so that Chhattisgarh continues to flourish with greenery and prosperity,” the Chief Minister said.
State’s Strong Push for Groundwater Recharge and Water Structures
Water Resources Secretary Rajesh Sukumar Toppo informed that the program is conceptualized under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Departments have been assigned specific themes for organizing symposiums, with the Ministry of Jal Shakti hosting this one on water conservation.
He said that over 300 participants working in the water conservation sector had registered for the event. “Water conservation has been accorded the highest priority by the government. In the last year alone, district collectors and departments have made significant contributions. More than 3.5 lakh water structures have been built, resulting in a substantial rise in groundwater levels,” Toppo said.
The event was attended by Padma Shri awardee Phoolbasan Bai Yadav, Urban Administration Secretary Dr. Basavaraju S., Public Health Engineering Department Secretary Mohammad Kaisar Abdul Haq, and several other dignitaries and officials.
