Ganga Dussehra to Spark Statewide Jal Ganga Conservation Campaign

Bhopal, May 21: On the auspicious occasion of Ganga Dussehra, Madhya Pradesh will transform the festival into a statewide movement for water conservation. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that the day when Mother Ganga descended to earth will now serve as the catalyst for a massive public initiative. He directed that the Jal Ganga Sanvardhan Abhiyan should be expanded beyond official programs to include widespread community participation. The Chief Minister highlighted that protecting ancient water sources is a future necessity and called for involvement from every social group. On May 25, elaborate programs will be organized in all districts. The Panchayat and Rural Development Department has issued comprehensive guidelines to district collectors and panchayat CEOs. The campaign, running from March 19, 2026 to June 30, 2026, aims to restore local water bodies. Ministers responsible for each district will attend the events. The first phase will feature community activities for water preservation, followed by cultural programs celebrating the Ganga. MPs, MLAs, and representatives from municipal bodies and panchayats will be invited. Through public cooperation, wells, canals, stepwells, and tanks will be cleaned and revived. Recharge pits will be constructed near defunct borewells to raise groundwater levels. Districts have been instructed to select four to five exemplary projects for national recognition. Programs will reach gram panchayat and ward levels, ensuring participation from officials, industries, social groups, religious organizations, and women’s self-help groups. Rural coordination will be handled by district panchayat CEOs, while urban areas will be managed by municipal commissioners.