Context: Gujarat’s Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan increased the state’s water storage capacity by 20,789 lakh cubic feet in 2026.
- Over the last eight years, the campaign has created 1,38,039 lakh cubic feet of additional water storage through large-scale water conservation works.
About Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan:
What It Is?
- Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan is Gujarat’s flagship water conservation and groundwater recharge campaign aimed at enhancing water storage through public participation, desilting, and restoration of water bodies.
- It complements the ‘Catch the Rain’ initiative by strengthening sustainable water resource management across the state.
Aim: To increase water storage capacity, improve groundwater recharge, and strengthen climate-resilient water infrastructure through community participation.
Key Features:
- Water Conservation Works: Undertakes pond deepening, check dam desilting and repair, and restoration of traditional water bodies.
- Canal & Drain Rejuvenation: Cleans canals and drainage networks to improve water flow, storage, and irrigation efficiency.
- Convergence Approach: Implemented jointly by six departments with support from MGNREGA, departmental agencies, and public participation.
- Employment Generation: Creates rural employment through large-scale conservation works while strengthening long-term water security.
Significance:
- Strengthens Water Security: Enhances groundwater recharge, irrigation potential, and climate resilience in water-scarce regions.
- Promotes Sustainable Development: Combines natural resource conservation with rural employment and community-led environmental management.
Relevance in UPSC Examination
- GS Paper II
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- Government Policies & Interventions
- Welfare Schemes and Rural Development
- GS Paper III
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- Water Resources Management and Conservation of Natural Resources
- Climate Change Adaptation and Sustainable Development
