Gadkari Advocates Public Participation for Water Prosperity in Villages

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday stressed the urgent need to transform water conservation into a large-scale public movement to improve the condition of farmers and villages in Vidarbha. Addressing a press conference in Nagpur, the senior leader said water conservation initiatives could help remove the long-standing stigma of Vidarbha being identified as a farmer suicide-prone region and pave the way for water prosperity and sustainable agriculture.

The minister announced that “Jalsamvad” and “Jalkranti” conferences would be organised on May 17 and 18 as part of the silver jubilee celebrations of Poorti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha, an organisation that has been actively working in the field of water conservation for the past 25 years.

MLAs Charansing Thakur and Umesh Yawalkar were also present during the press conference.

Gadkari Emphasises Better Water Management

India Needs Planning, Not More Water

During his address, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari remarked that India does not suffer from a shortage of water resources, but rather from poor planning and inefficient management. He highlighted that scientific water management practices could significantly improve agricultural productivity and rural prosperity.

Role of Modern Agriculture Techniques

The Union Minister said effective water conservation could be strengthened through organic farming, drip irrigation systems, and the growing use of artificial intelligence in agriculture. Experts believe these techniques can help optimise water usage, improve soil health, and reduce farming costs, especially in drought-prone regions like Vidarbha.

India has increasingly focused on micro-irrigation and precision farming in recent years, with states encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices to tackle climate change and irregular rainfall patterns.

Impact of Farm Pond and Groundwater Initiatives

Improved Groundwater Levels in Vidarbha

Gadkari pointed out that soil excavated from farm ponds had been utilised in the construction of national highways, which indirectly contributed to increasing groundwater levels in western Vidarbha districts such as Akola, Washim, and Buldhana.

According to him, these improvements have also encouraged farmers to modify their cropping patterns based on better water availability and changing agricultural conditions.

Public Participation Is Crucial

The minister stressed that while non-governmental organisations play an important role in water conservation, active participation from citizens is equally essential for making the initiative successful on a larger scale.

He noted that efforts such as river and stream deepening projects were already being undertaken through public participation in groundwater-deficient “dark zone” areas like Warud-Morshi and Katol-Narkhed. Gadkari also appealed to local self-government bodies to actively contribute to these initiatives.

Recognition of the “Tamaswada Model”

A Nationally Recognised Water Conservation Initiative

The “Tamaswada Model” developed by the organisation has earned recognition across India for its contribution to water conservation and groundwater recharge.

The model is considered an example of how community-driven efforts and sustainable water management techniques can transform rural landscapes and improve agricultural conditions.

National Conferences to Focus on Water Security

“Nagpur Jalsamvad 2026” on May 17

As part of the silver jubilee celebrations, the national conference “Nagpur Jalsamvad 2026” will be organised on May 17 at Dr. Vasantrao Deshpande Auditorium in Civil Lines, Nagpur.

Theme of the Conference

The conference will revolve around the theme “Water conservation as a solution for a farmer suicide-free Vidarbha.” Discussions will focus on addressing water scarcity, improving irrigation systems, and ensuring economic stability for farmers in the region.

The event will be chaired by Gadkari and attended by several distinguished personalities, including Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi, Umashankar Pandey, and Sethpal Singh.

Experts and guests from different parts of the country, including Keshob Krishna Chatradhara from Assam, water expert Sanjay Kashyap, Mrs Swedevino Natso from Nagaland, and Ministers of State Ashish Jaiswal and Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar, are also expected to participate.

“Jalkranti Conference” to Highlight 25-Year Journey

Focus on Successful Water Conservation Initiatives

The “Jalkranti Conference” will be held on May 18 at Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Auditorium in Reshimbagh. The event will review the organisation’s 25-year journey and discuss successful projects such as the “Tamaswada Pattern.”

Presence of Eminent Guests

One of the major highlights of the conference will be the participation of actor and Paani Foundation founder Aamir Khan along with Nana Patekar and Makarand Anaspure from Naam Foundation.

Maharashtra Minister for Soil and Water Conservation Sanjay Rathod, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth Vice-Chancellor Dr. Sharad Gadakh, and Gondwana University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Prashant Bokare will also attend the event.

A large number of farmers and village sarpanches from Vidarbha are expected to participate in the conference.

Books to Be Released During Celebrations

Publications on Water Security and Agriculture

Several books focusing on water management and agricultural development, including Jalparva, Jalkranti, Krishikalyan, and Corridors of Water Security, will also be released during the silver jubilee celebrations.

The organisation’s president Prafulladatta Jamdar and secretary Madhav Kotasthane appealed to citizens to participate in large numbers and strengthen the water conservation movement.

Conclusion

Nitin Gadkari’s call to transform water conservation into a mass movement reflects the growing urgency to address water scarcity, groundwater depletion, and farmer distress in regions like Vidarbha. By combining community participation, scientific water management, modern irrigation techniques, and sustainable agricultural practices, India can significantly improve rural livelihoods and agricultural resilience.

The upcoming “Jalsamvad” and “Jalkranti” conferences in Nagpur are expected to bring together policymakers, experts, farmers, and social organisations to discuss long-term solutions for water security and rural prosperity. As climate challenges and water stress continue to impact agriculture across the country, initiatives like the “Tamaswada Model” may serve as important examples for sustainable development and community-led transformation.