“Our future will be secure through water conservation with public participation: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai.”

“Water is life, and with water, the future will flourish. We all must work together for water conservation—only then can we safeguard our future.”
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai expressed these views while addressing a workshop on Water Conservation and Augmentation organized under the Sujalam Bharat initiative at Omaya Garden, Raipur. On this occasion, he offered water to a ceremonial urn (Jal Kalash) to symbolize the message of water conservation.

The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has repeatedly expressed deep concern over the growing water crisis. He emphasized that a lack of public awareness about water conservation can further intensify this crisis. Across the state, people are making efforts in their own ways for water harvesting, and such platforms allow everyone to share their experiences—which, in turn, will play a decisive role in shaping effective policies.

Recalling his visit to Rajnandgaon, the Chief Minister mentioned a woman Sarpanch who, through self-motivation, revived dried hand pumps in her village. Her innovative initiative was appreciated by the Central Government, which extended financial support to expand this noble effort.
He said that such examples inspire us all. Everyone must unite to transform water conservation into a people’s movement so that our future remains secure. He further stated that the suggestions and inputs received from this seminar will greatly assist in formulating upcoming action plans.

Chief Minister Offers Kelo River Water to Symbolize Earth’s Nourishment

At the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai offered the sacred water of the Kelo River into an urn symbolizing the Earth, conveying the message of water conservation and harvesting. He said, “Water is life,” and our sacred rivers nurture the Earth, making them life-giving forces. These rivers are deeply connected to our culture, civilization, and identity.

The Chief Minister added that the rivers of Chhattisgarh—Mahanadi, Indravati, Shivnath, Kelo, and others—are the lifelines of the state. They not only make the land fertile but also energize agriculture, industry, and every sphere of life. The act of offering Kelo River water into the symbolic Earth-urn represents the idea that every drop of water must be respected and preserved for future generations.

He appealed to public representatives, officials, and citizens to make the pledge of water conservation a part of their daily lives so that the land of Chhattisgarh continues to thrive in greenery and prosperity.

Secretary of the Water Resources Department, Shri Rajesh Sukumar Toppo, informed that this program was conceptualized under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Various departments have been directed to organize seminars on specific themes, and under this initiative, the Ministry of Jal Shakti organized this seminar on water conservation.
He mentioned that more than 300 participants, who actively work in the field of water conservation, registered for the event. The government has placed water conservation at the highest priority. Over the past year, collectors and related departments across districts have made remarkable contributions. So far, 350,000 structures have been built, resulting in a significant improvement in groundwater levels.

Prominent attendees included Padma Shri Smt. Phoolbasan Bai Yadav, Dr. Basavaraju S. (Secretary, Urban Administration Department), Mohammad Kaisar Abdul Haq (Secretary, Public Health Engineering Department), and several other distinguished dignitaries.