Vidarbha Needs Water Conservation People’s Movement: Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Sunday stressed the imperative of turning water conservation into a widespread public campaign to liberate Vidarbha from its distressing ‘farmer suicide zone’ reputation and ensure regional prosperity.

Addressing a press meet for the silver jubilee of Purti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyan Kari Sanstha’s water conservation efforts, Gadkari previewed the May 17-18 Nagpur events: Jal Samvad and Jal Kranti, attended by eminent experts, awardees, and activists.

‘Water scarcity isn’t the issue in India—it’s mismanagement,’ he clarified. Effective measures include organic agriculture, drip irrigation, and AI applications in farming for superior resource handling.

Infrastructure wins were highlighted: Highway builds using farm pond earth have elevated groundwater in Akola, Washim, Buldhana, with farmers innovating crop choices in response.

While commending NGOs, Gadkari insisted on citizen engagement to make conservation a movement. He detailed participatory projects deepening streams in parched ‘dark zones’ of Varud-Morshi and Katol-Narkhed.

He called on local governance to amplify these initiatives. The Sanstha’s 25-year commitment, featuring the widely adopted ‘Tamaswad Model,’ underscores its impact.

The anniversary unfolds in phases—’Nagpur Jal Samvad-2026′ on the 17th and ‘Jal Kranti Sammelan’ on the 18th—fostering dialogues for enduring water security.