Ahmedabad witnessed a significant moment in the state’s water conservation journey with the launch of ‘Jalkranti’, a book authored by Shri Mansukh Suvagiya, widely regarded as the pioneer of Gujarat’s grassroots water revolution. The book was unveiled by Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti and President, BJP Gujarat, Shri C.R. Paatil, in the presence of senior Ministers, Members of Parliament, and social leaders.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Paatil commended Shri Suvagiya’s decades-long commitment to water conservation, highlighting his leadership in the construction of more than 3,200 check dams and lakes across 300 villages. The Hon’ble Minister described ‘Jalkranti’ as not merely a book, but a “Gita on water,” emphasizing its value as a guiding force for addressing future water challenges.
Shri Paatil also underscored the success of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visionary Catch the Rain campaign, which has resulted in the creation of 3.2 million water structures across 611 districts in just eight months—a remarkable achievement in India’s ongoing efforts to secure water sustainability.
On this occasion, Gujarat’s Agriculture Minister Shri Raghavji Patel recalled the origins of the water conservation movement initiated by Shri Suvagiya during the severe drought years in Saurashtra, which played a pivotal role in raising public awareness about rainwater harvesting.
Other eminent leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Shri Narhari Amin, lauded the efforts of the Jalkranti Trust for spreading awareness and acknowledged Union Government initiatives such as Nal se Jal, which has ensured piped water supply to rural households.
The ceremony was graced by several dignitaries, including Cabinet Ministers Shri Mulubhai Bera and Shri Mukesh Patel, former Ministers Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasama and Shri Vallabh Kakadiya, Somnath Trust trustee Shri P.K. Laheri, and noted social leaders.
Over the years, Gujarat has emerged as a frontrunner in water conservation through initiatives such as the Sujalam Sufalam Yojana, the extension of the Narmada canal network with drip and micro-irrigation systems, and community-driven watershed projects. The revival of traditional water structures, rooftop rainwater harvesting in urban areas, strict monitoring of groundwater use, and water recycling in industries have further strengthened the state’s resilience.
The launch of ‘Jalkranti’ not only celebrates Gujarat’s enduring water conservation legacy but also reflects the Union Government’s commitment, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, towards sustainable water management for the future.
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