Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Madhya Pradesh is creating a national identity through the efforts of Jal Ganga Augmentation Campaign, Shipra Rejuvenation and water conservation.
In Indian tradition, water is not only considered a natural resource, but is considered the basis of life, consciousness and creation. In our ancient texts, water has been described as the form of divine power. Taking this ideology forward, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made water conservation a national priority and made it a nationwide campaign by linking it with public participation.
Formation of Jal Shakti Ministry, important schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission, Namami Gange, Amrit Sarovar Mission and Jal Shakti Abhiyan were started under the leadership of the Prime Minister. These initiatives provided a new direction to water management and conservation. Taking this vision forward, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has given water conservation the form of a social and cultural movement in the state. Due to his efforts, he is being recognized as ‘Jal Nayak’ in the state.
22 years of water conservation journey from Ujjain Development Authority to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav
Dr. Mohan Yadav’s dedication towards water conservation was not limited to any one post or time. For more than two decades, he has been continuously working on the issues of water sources, rivers and environmental protection. When he assumed the responsibility of Chairman of Ujjain Development Authority, he made the preservation of the cultural and religious heritage of Ujjain his goal. He has special faith in the Shipra River, which is considered the lifeline of Malwa. Under this thinking, he promoted initiatives like Shipra Teerth Parikrama, which gave a new identity to river conservation and tourism along with religious faith. He believed that sustainable development of any city or civilization is possible only when its water sources are safe and protected. This thinking remains the cornerstone of his water conservation campaigns as Chief Minister today.
Shipra River Rejuvenation Campaign: Big step towards uninterrupted and clean flow
Madhya Pradesh is called the motherland of rivers and Shipra River is an important part of its spiritual identity. The religious and cultural heritage of Ujjain is linked to this river. This river is also the center of global religious events like Simhastha Mahaparva. With time, the condition of Shipra River started getting affected due to urbanization and pollution. Its cleanliness was being affected due to contaminated water of Khan River and sewage. Taking this seriously, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav gave priority to the revival of Shipra River.
From January 2024, through continuous high-level meetings, he gave clear instructions to the officials to prevent dirty water from getting into Shipra. For this, plans for water purification plants, stop dams and other necessary structures were prepared in various areas. Besides, arrangements for treatment and re-use of contaminated water of Kanh River were also ensured.
Preparation for Simhastha 2028: Target of bathing with only pure water in Shipra
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced in December 2024 that in the upcoming Simhastha-2028, devotees will be able to take bath in the natural and clean water of Shipra River. For this, the state government is implementing schemes on a large scale. He himself participated in the cleanliness campaign at Ramghat in Ujjain and inspired people for water conservation and river cleanliness. By participating in the Shipra Tirtha Parikrama organized in May 2026, he gave the message of public awareness towards river conservation.
Sewarkhedi-Silarkhedi Project: Plan to provide water to Shipra throughout the year
To provide perennial flow to the Shipra River, the Sewarkhedi-Silarkhedi Medium Irrigation Project is being undertaken by the State Government at a cost of approximately Rs 614.53 crore. Under this project, barrage construction, modern pumping system and reservoir based structures are being developed on Shipra River. The water level in the river will be maintained by releasing water from the reservoir as per requirement. Almost half the work of the project has been completed. After its completion, the drinking water system of Ujjain will be strengthened and the flow of Shipra will be ensured during religious events.
Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan: Initiative to make water conservation a mass movement
On World Environment Day, June 5, 2024, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav launched the ‘Jal Ganga Augmentation Campaign’ from the origin of Betwa river in Raisen district. The objective of this campaign is to conserve, revitalize and promote rivers, ponds, wells, stepwells, check dams and other traditional water structures. By linking the campaign with public participation, thousands of water conservation works are being done across the state. Till now, more than 2 lakh 40 thousand works have been completed under this campaign. In various districts of the state, the administration and common citizens are together making water conservation a mass campaign.
Madhya Pradesh becomes example amid water crisis
Concern about climate change and water crisis is increasing globally. Many international organizations including UNICEF have given serious warnings regarding water availability in the future. In such a time, Madhya Pradesh has done remarkable work in the field of water conservation. Due to revival of traditional water sources, groundwater augmentation and community participation, the state is becoming an example for many states.
Madhya Pradesh’s excellent performance at national level in water conservation public participation campaign
According to the ‘Jal Sanchay Janbhagidari (JSJB) 2.0’ dashboard of the Jal Shakti Ministry, Madhya Pradesh ranks third in the country on the basis of water conservation works. More than 21 lakh 90 thousand works have been completed in the state, while a large number of works are in progress. Districts like Dindori, Khandwa and Shahdol have featured in the top positions in the national ranking. Khandwa and Indore have also performed remarkably at the national level in the Municipal Corporation category. This achievement shows that the state is working on a large scale in the field of water conservation.
Madhya Pradesh becomes successful model of agriculture and water conservation
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, an effort has been made to link water conservation and agricultural development together. An amount of more than Rs 10,475 crore has been approved for the Jal Ganga Augmentation Campaign. More than 65 thousand farm ponds have been prepared in the state. Apart from this thousands of dugwell recharge structures, Amrit Sarovar, water conservation projects and watershed works have been completed. Farmers are being encouraged to adopt drip irrigation, sprinkler systems and less water-intensive crops. Due to this, along with water saving, agricultural production and income of farmers has also increased.
Madhya Pradesh model appreciated at international level in Sadanira Samagam
During the ‘Sadanira Samagam’ organized in Bhopal, diplomats and experts from different countries appreciated the water management model of Madhya Pradesh. Representatives from many countries including Cyprus, Fiji, Mexico, Nepal, Trinidad and Tobago and Ecuador described the public participation based model as effective in water conservation. They also expressed their desire to implement it in their countries. This international acceptance shows that Madhya Pradesh is creating a new identity in the field of water management.
Pledge to build a water-rich future
Water conservation has today become not only a government responsibility but a collective responsibility of the society. Water conservation efforts have gained new momentum with the participation of women, youth, farmers and social organizations. Initiatives like ‘Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan’ and ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ are not only meeting the needs of the present, but are also creating a water secure future for the coming generations.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Madhya Pradesh is emerging as a strong model in the field of water conservation, river rejuvenation and environmental balance. If every citizen takes a pledge to save water, then the dream of water self-reliant and prosperous Madhya Pradesh will become stronger.
Author-Shriram Tiwari (Cultural Advisor to CM Mohan Yadav)