TFP Bureau, Raipur, May 20, 2025: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai today launched the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Groundwater Conservation Mission (Urban), a state-wide initiative aimed at conserving and promoting groundwater and rainwater in all urban bodies across Chhattisgarh. The launch event was held at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in Raipur, organized by the Urban Administration and Development Department. Alongside the mission launch, Shri Sai also released its official brochure and video, and handed over compassionate appointment letters to the families of 18 employees who lost their lives serving nine urban bodies in the state.
Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Administration Minister Shri Arun Sao, Water Resources Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, MLAs including Shri Rajesh Munat and Sunil Soni, Raipur Municipal Corporation Mayor Meenal Chaubey, and renowned water conservationist Shri Rajendra Singh, popularly known as the ‘Waterman of India,’ were among the special guests.
A workshop held on the occasion saw hydrologists, urban planners, industry representatives, and officials from departments including Forest, Public Works, Public Health Engineering, and Water Resources collaboratively brainstorm strategies for effective water conservation. The team from Surat Municipal Corporation, Gujarat, shared their successful rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge practices. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao and Waterman Rajendra Singh engaged with participants, answering queries and emphasizing the importance of water conservation.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai stressed the indispensability of water for life and lauded the Urban Administration Department for initiating this ambitious mission. “This mission will be a milestone in conserving our rainwater and groundwater resources,” he said, appreciating the contributions of Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao. Shri Sai highlighted complementary water conservation efforts such as the Panchayat and Rural Development Department’s ‘More Village More Water’ campaign and the national push for constructing and renovating ponds as ‘Amrit Sarovars’ under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance. He warned that water scarcity is a looming challenge requiring urgent and sustained attention.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao spoke about the four-hour expert discussions focused on rainwater collection, groundwater recharge, and integrating water conservation into school curricula. He underscored the need to adapt agricultural practices like crop rotation based on rainfall patterns to address future urban water demands. “Chhattisgarh’s abundant rainfall can help us overcome water challenges if we harvest and manage it wisely,” he said.
Water Resources Minister Kedar Kashyap expressed optimism about the mission’s impact, noting that under Chief Minister Sai’s leadership, Chhattisgarh leads the country in water conservation through active public participation. He emphasized the critical need to recharge water sources and assured that the Water Resources Department is committed to this cause.
The launch was attended by senior officials from the Urban Administration Department and State Urban Development Agency (SUDA), including Secretary Dr. Basavaraju S., Director R. Ekka, and CEO Shashank Pandey, along with mayors, chairpersons, municipal commissioners, engineers, water experts, social workers, and representatives from voluntary organizations.
This mission represents a concerted step towards ensuring sustainable urban water management in Chhattisgarh through collaborative efforts, innovation, and community participation.
