CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: On Tuesday, Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat performed the Bhoomi Pujan (groundbreaking ceremony) for four pumps under Pump House No. 2 of the Jhaad Beeda Lift Irrigation Project in Gram Panchayat Tikhad, Kesla development block, Narmadapuram district. During the event held in Tikhad, Minister Silawat also planted a sapling, delivering a message of environmental conservation.
The Jhaad Beeda Irrigation Project will benefit 19,858 farmers from 79 villages. The project has an irrigation capacity of 15,610 hectares and will be constructed at a cost of ₹177.58 crores.
Minister Silawat inaugurated the program by lighting a ceremonial lamp. In his address, he emphasized, “Water is life, and it is the key to progress. Water ensures the development of our farmer-‘Annadatas’.” He stated that water plays a crucial role in our lives. “Earlier, whenever we visited places, we would see ponds, step-wells, wells, and streams filled with water. If we do not take steps today to conserve and preserve water, future generations will not forgive us. Water is the foundation of development and progress.”
He appealed to everyone to dedicate one hour daily for voluntary service (shramdaan) at any pond, step-well, river, or stream to contribute to water conservation.
The Minister further said that in 2003, only 7 lakh hectares of land in Madhya Pradesh had irrigation facilities. The government has now increased this to 50 lakh hectares. In the next two years, the target is to expand it to 65 lakh hectares and up to 1 crore hectares in the next five years.
He mentioned that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had envisioned interlinking rivers, and that dream is now being fulfilled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. By 2047, India and Madhya Pradesh will be counted among developed nations and states. Minister Silawat said that while earlier people struggled for even a drop of water, the government has now significantly expanded irrigation facilities.
He added, “Where there is water, there is also potential for tourism.” He also informed that 82,000 hectares in Harda and Narmadapuram districts receive water for moong crop cultivation through the Tawa canal. He instructed that proposals should be sent to convert all unlined canals into concrete and well-maintained ones.
The Minister emphasized that the dream of a developed India will only be realized when every drop of water is saved. He urged everyone to protect ponds, step-wells, wells, and streams. He also shared that the Jal Ganga Sanvardhan Abhiyan (Water and Ganga Conservation Campaign) was launched on March 30 to promote water conservation and enhancement, and administered a pledge to everyone to contribute to the campaign.
The event was also attended by MLA Prem Shankar Verma, Kesla Janpad Panchayat President Gangaram Kalme, Seoni Malwa Janpad Panchayat President Renuka Mandloi, other public representatives, and a large number of villagers.
B/Pankaj Mittal
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