Water Conservation Must Become Mass Movement: Nitin Gadkari

Nitin Gadkari has called for water conservation to become a mass movement to ensure water security and improve the lives of farmers in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra.

Addressing a press conference in Nagpur on Saturday, Gadkari said proper planning and management of water resources can help eliminate the stigma of Vidarbha being known as a farmer suicide zone. He was speaking ahead of the “Jalsamvad” and “Jalkranti” conferences scheduled to be held on May 17 and 18 as part of the silver jubilee celebrations of Poorti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha.

The Union Minister stated that India does not face water scarcity, but suffers from inadequate water management. He stressed the need for organic farming, drip irrigation, and the use of artificial intelligence in agriculture to improve water utilisation and farming outcomes.

Gadkari highlighted that the use of soil excavated from farm ponds in national highway construction has helped raise groundwater levels in western Vidarbha districts such as Akola, Washim, and Buldhana. He also noted that farmers in these regions have begun changing cropping patterns accordingly.

He underlined the importance of public participation and involvement of non-governmental organisations in water conservation efforts. Gadkari said river and stream deepening projects are being carried out with community participation in groundwater-deficient “dark zone” areas like Warud-Morshi and Katol-Narkhed.

The two-day national conference will focus on water conservation, irrigation solutions, groundwater recharge, and economic stability for farmers. The first event, “Nagpur Jalsamvad 2026,” will be held at Dr. Vasantrao Deshpande Auditorium on May 17, while the “Jalkranti Conference” is scheduled at Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Auditorium on May 18.

Several prominent personalities, including water experts, Padma awardees, and social sector leaders, are expected to attend. Renowned actor Aamir Khan, Nana Patekar, and comedian-actor Makarand Anaspure are also set to participate in the Jalkranti Conference.

During the event, important books on water conservation and agricultural welfare, including “Jalparva,” “Jalkranti,” “Krishikalyan,” and “Corridors of Water Security,” will also be released.