Gujarat’s Sujalam Sufalam Jal Yojana Boosts Water Storage by 11,523 Lakh Cubic Feet
Gujarat, known for its excellent water management, has successfully created an additional water storage capacity of 11,523 lakh cubic feet this year under the Sujalam Sufalam Jal Yojana (SSJA). This campaign, guided by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has been running for seven years and aims to conserve rainwater in large and small water bodies.
Water Storage Achievements
This year, the campaign achieved the following:
- Central Gujarat: 4,946 lakh cubic feet
- North Gujarat: 2,831 lakh cubic feet
- Saurashtra-Kutch: 2,700 lakh cubic feet
- South Gujarat: 1,046 lakh cubic feet
In total, Gujarat’s water storage capacity has increased by over 1,19,144 lakh cubic feet in the last seven years.
Community and Departmental Efforts
The SSJA initiative involves massive public participation and coordination between various departments, including Water Resources, Water Distribution, Forests and Environment, Urban Development, and more. Water Resources Secretary K.B. Rabaria highlighted that 9,374 works were executed this year, including over 4,000 under public participation, over 1,900 under MNREGA, and over 3,300 by various government departments.
Employment and Infrastructure
The campaign generated 7.23 lakh man-days of labor, boosting employment across Gujarat. The top five districts with the most works were Dahod, Gir Somnath, Anand, Mahisagar, and Aravalli. Additionally, 815 km of large canals and 1,755 km of small canals were cleaned.
Goals and Impact
The primary goal of the SSJA initiative is to transform Gujarat’s arid landscape and develop water sufficiency. The campaign focuses on raising groundwater levels, cleaning water bodies, and reviving traditional water sources to ensure an adequate water supply for agriculture, industries, and domestic use. By leveraging community participation and modern technology, the initiative addresses immediate water scarcity and paves the way for long-term ecological balance and prosperity in Gujarat.
