Bhopal: Mohan Yadav, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, announced the launch of the State-Level Jal Ganga Conservation Campaign on March 19, 2026, from the banks of the Shipra River in Ujjain, coinciding with the Indian New Year festival, Gudi Padwa. The campaign will continue until June 30, aiming to make water conservation a mass movement across the state.
CM Yadav emphasized that water is a priceless natural resource and its preservation is a collective responsibility. He called for active participation from citizens, panchayats, NGOs, and government departments to set a new benchmark in water management and conservation.
Reviving Water Conservation Traditions
Highlighting Madhya Pradesh’s centuries-old tradition of water management, CM Yadav said that ponds, wells, and stepwells historically served not just as water sources but also as community centers. The campaign seeks to revive this tradition through modern techniques and community participation.
The campaign will focus on:
- Rainwater harvesting
- Groundwater recharge
- Protection of water sources
These initiatives aim to ensure sustainable water availability for agriculture, daily use, and environmental balance.
Community Participation: Key to Success
CM Yadav stressed that public participation is the backbone of the campaign. He urged citizens to:
- Volunteer for cleaning ponds and wells
- Set up rainwater harvesting systems in homes
- Maintain cleanliness around water bodies
He added that the campaign will not only enhance water conservation but also provide long-term environmental, economic, and agricultural benefits, such as:
- Improved groundwater levels
- Increased irrigation water for farmers
- Relief for drought-affected areas
- Strengthened rural economy and environmental protection
Achievements of Previous Campaign Phases
CM Yadav highlighted the success of the previous phases:
Phase 1 (2024):
- Over 2.79 lakh water structures were created or revived, including ponds, wells, stepwells, canals, and rejuvenation of dried rivers.
- Significant improvement in groundwater levels and irrigation availability was observed.
Phase 2 (2025):
- 72,647 water structures completed
- 64,395 water structures under progress, including farm ponds, check dams, stop dams, canals, wells, and stepwells
- Goal: Permanent increase in water availability for rural and urban areas
Building a Water-Smart Madhya Pradesh
CM Yadav stated that the campaign aims to make Madhya Pradesh a model state for water conservation and management in India. With active government and community participation, the initiative is expected to address challenges such as climate change, irregular rainfall, and water scarcity.
By combining traditional water knowledge with modern technology, the Jal Ganga Conservation Campaign seeks to ensure sustainable water security for present and future generations.
