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Chief Minister inaugurates the state’s first ‘Jal Utsav’ at Dudhala village in Amreli

To fulfill the vision of a Viksit Bharat, the persistent issues of electricity and water shortages in the state will be permanently eradicated : Governor Shri Acharya Devvratji

The aim is to ensure the extension of government scheme benefits to every individual through the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’: CM Shri Bhupendra Patel

CM Shri Bhupendra Patel

• Shri Narendra Modi has established a robust foundation for organized development in Gujarat.
• The Prime Minister introduced the concept of Saturation Point, showcasing his distinctive vision to ensure essential amenities like water, electricity, and healthcare reach remote villages.

Diligent efforts will be undertaken to supply water to the remaining irrigated areas in Amreli district through Sauni Yojana Link-2 and 4: Minister of Water Resources, Shri Kunvarji Bavaliya

CM Shri Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the state’s first 10-day ‘Jal Utsav 2023’ in the esteemed presence of Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat, on Thursday in Dudhala village of Lathi tehsil, Amreli district.

Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat remarked on this occasion that today is a momentous day for the state as the Jal Utsav is being celebrated in Dudhala. Emphasizing the significance of water, he noted that it is essential for life, impacting various aspects such as farming, animals, birds, and all living beings, both animate and inanimate. The Chief Minister’s commitment to resolving water-related issues in the state is commendable and sets an inspiring example not just for Gujarat but for other states as well.

Proposing the development of the immense water harvesting efforts in Amreli into a tourist attraction, the Governor suggested clearing acacia bushes from unused government land and transforming it into a green forest by planting various tree species. This initiative can be implemented to enhance rainfall and contribute to environmental improvement.

The Governor emphasized that to achieve the vision of a Viksit Bharat, the industrial revolution’s speed, built on the foundations of electricity and water, will be accelerated. To accomplish this, the state is committed to permanently resolving the shortages of electricity and water.

During the event, CM Shri Bhupendra Patel acknowledged the prevalent water issues in Saurashtra. However, due to the efforts of the state government and the Dholakia Foundation, the Gagadiya River in this saline area is now flowing with water.

The Chief Minister highlighted the substantial benefits Gujarat has reaped from the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Under his governance, Narmada water has been utilized effectively, turning Gujarat into a green state. The state also achieved a 24-hour electricity supply. Shri Narendra Modi’s focus on Seva Ane Sushasan has been a guiding principle.

Providing updates on progress in health, infrastructure, and the economic sectors in Gujarat, the Chief Minister recalled Shri Narendra Modi’s vision during the inauguration of Ranotsav in Dhordo, Kutch, in 2006, where he predicted people from the country and the world visiting. Recently, Dhordo has been recognized as the ‘Best Tourist Village’ by the World Tourism Organization. With the beginning of Jal Utsav in Dudhala, it is anticipated that a significant number of people will visit.

In reference to the ‘Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ initiated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, aiming for a Viksit Bharat by the year 2047, the Chief Minister emphasized that for a Viksit Bharat, we aim for a Viksit Gujarat. Therefore, united efforts are being made in this journey to extend the benefits of all government schemes to deserving individuals at the grassroots level, ensuring saturation. He emphasized that the development of Gujarat can only be realized by integrating the marginalized into the mainstream.

The CM mentioned that due to the government’s efforts, people now have access to water. To prevent future water problems, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has emphasized water conservation and initiated a plan to construct 75 Amrit Sarovars in each district, which has been implemented by the Gujarat government. Referring to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s appeal to “use water like Prasad” for the preservation, conservation, and harvesting of water, the Chief Minister encouraged everyone to use water wisely.

Water Resources and Water Supply Minister Shri Kunvarji Bavaliya stated that under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the deepening and widening of the Gagdiyo River and desilting of saline lands in Lathi and Liliya tehsils will be carried out through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This initiative has resulted in a water revolution in this saline area.

The Minister stated that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, recognizing the significance of water, has established the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Water conservation efforts are underway nationwide through water management. Amreli receives irrigation water through the Saurashtra Narmada Downstream Irrigation (SAUNI) Scheme Links 2 and 4. Intensive efforts will be made under this scheme to extend water from the SAUNI scheme to the remaining areas of Lathi and Liliya Taluka in the Amreli district. Additionally, under the Chief Minister’s guidance, the remaining dams in the district will be filled with water as part of the SAUNI scheme.

Padmashree Savji Dholakia, President of the Dholakia Foundation, highlighted the significance of organizing Jal Utsav in an area where no major festival has taken place for several decades. He emphasized that the water harvesting initiatives in Amreli showcase the positive outcomes when society and government collaborate.

In his welcome speech, District Collector Shri Ajay Dahiya outlined the water harvesting projects undertaken by the Irrigation Department and Dholakia Foundation. He expressed that this water festival will not only boost tourism in the district but will also inspire and motivate people to actively participate in water conservation efforts.

The program was attended by Tourism Minister Shri Mulu Bera, Deputy Chief Whip of the Assembly Shri Kaushik Vekaria, MLA Shri Mahesh Kaswala, Shri J.V. Kakadiya, Shri Janak Talaviya, District Panchayat President Shri Bharat Sutaria, District Development Officer Shri Dinesh Gurav, Chief Engineer Shri H.U. Kalyani, various leaders of the Dholakia Foundation, Chief Officer of Amreli District Administration, and other district leaders.

It is worth mentioning that, inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and through the concerted efforts of the State Government and Dholakia Foundation, numerous water conservation projects have been completed along the banks of the Gagdiyo River. In celebration of these achievements and to boost tourism, the ‘Jal Utsav’ will be organized here until November 25th.

Source: Information Department, Gujarat