Madhya Pradesh’s Jal Ganga Sanvardhan Abhiyan Initiative

The Jal Ganga Sanvardhan Abhiyan is water conservation initiative launched by the Madhya Pradesh government. It aims to rejuvenate rivers, water sources, and wetlands across the state. The campaign commenced on March 30, 2025, and has already shown promising results, particularly with the revival of the Ghoda Pachhad River in Khandwa district.
Objectives of the Campaign
The primary objective of the Jal Ganga Sanvardhan Abhiyan is to conserve and revive various water structures, including rivers, ponds, and wells. The initiative also focuses on the purification of polluted water sources under the Swachh Bharat Mission-2.0. Public participation, especially from women, is encouraged to ensure community involvement in water conservation efforts.
Implementation Strategies
The campaign employs the ‘Ridge to Valley’ principle for water conservation. This method aims to harvest water over a 33km stretch, reducing surface runoff and enhancing groundwater recharge. Urban bodies are actively involved in setting up Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) to manage the 450 million litres of wastewater discharged daily into major rivers.
Public Engagement and Events
The campaign includes various events to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation. Cultural programmes, tree planting, and other activities are planned on dates, such as Ganga Dussehra. These events aim to educate citizens about the value of water structures and promote ecological balance.
Environmental Impact and Achievements
Since the campaign’s launch, the state has increased its Ramsar Sites from one in 2002 to five by 2025. Indore has been recognised as the first Wetland City of India. The physical verification of 13,565 wetlands larger than 2.25 hectares has been completed, denoting the state’s commitment to preserving its natural resources.
Future Prospects
The Jal Ganga Sanvardhan Abhiyan is set to continue until June 30, 2025. Future plans include creating green belts around water structures and improving drinking water facilities in urban areas. The initiative aims to establish rainwater harvesting systems and repair leaks to prevent water wastage.
Connection to Swachh Bharat Mission
The Jal Ganga Sanvardhan Abhiyan closely aligns with the Swachh Bharat Mission, which aims to create a clean and sanitary environment in India. The urban component focuses on eliminating open defecation and managing municipal solid waste, ensuring a holistic approach to public health and sanitation.