Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani today launched a water conservation drive at Kosamadi village in Bharuch district on the occasion of the 58th Foundation Day of the state.
In a function held in Bharuch, located around 200 kms away from here, Rupnai rode a JCB machine to deepen a lake, as part of the month-long statewide drive. Once deepened, the lake is expected to provide water to 25 nearby villages.
The water conservation initiative "Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan" aims to increase state's water storage capacity by 11,000 lakh cubic feet by deepening 13,000 lakes, check-dams, and reservoirs. It also envisages revival of 32 rivers, and cleaning and repairing of canals, among other activities.
Gujarat is staring at acute water crisis in the wake of deficient rains in the catchment areas of the Narmada river last year.
"Let's remember that we are mere custodian of the natural resources we inherit from our ancestors and they must be passed on to our next generation as it is, if not improved. Since we can't add to the resources, we don't have any right to exhaust them by exploiting them senselessly," Rupani said in a tweet.
Addressing a gathering, the chief minister appealed to the people to work for ensuring "clean and green" Gujarat.
Rupani also launched the Chief Minister Apprenticeship Yojana and LNG-LPG scheme at a function in Bharuch to mark the Gujarat Gaurav Divas.
The water conservation initiative was launched across the state with several ministers attending functions.
Union ministers Jaswantsinh Bhabhor and Mansukh Mandaviya launched the drive at Chhota Udepur and Junagadh districts, respectively.
State cabinet minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama launched the initiative to clean and modernise Ahmedabad's Kharicut canal.
Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel attended an event in Mehsana.
As part of the state Foundation Day, Governor O P Kohli inaugurated an arts and commerce college at Amod in Bharuch district which was built on the grant received from private donors.
Before leaving for Bharuch, Rupani paid a floral tribute to two statues of Indulal Yagnik, who led the Mahagujarat Movement for the formation of the separate state on May 1, 1960, in Ahmedabad.
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