Save every drop of water, become 'Jal Mitras': Haryana CM to citizens

On the occasion of World Water Day, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini called upon every Haryanvi to take a pledge to save every single drop of water and prevent its misuse. He encouraged people to become ‘Jal Mitras’ and contribute to the success of the ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2025’ campaign.

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Speaking at the national-level launch ceremony of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2025, held at Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula on Saturday, the Chief Minister stressed that the initiative would be a milestone in the efforts being taken for water conservation. He assured that the 2.8 crore people of Haryana would leave no stone unturned in ensuring the success of this water conservation movement.

Welcoming the Union Minister of Jal Shakti CR Patil, the Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to PM Narendra Modi and Union Minister for choosing Haryana to launch this nationwide campaign. He said that upon receiving the news about this event, he felt not only honoured as the Chief Minister but also proud as a citizen of Haryana to be a part of such an important water conservation movement.

Saini said that water conservation is not just a campaign but a movement and a revolution. He stressed that this initiative is not merely a government scheme but a crucial step for securing the future of coming generations.

He said when ‘neeti, niyat aur netratav’ (policy, intent, and leadership) are right, society also undergoes transformation, and PM Modi has proven this to be true. He stressed how the Prime Minister has addressed social issues and shown deep concern for the people, leading to nationwide movements on cleanliness, health, Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, and water conservation, which have now become mass campaigns.

The Chief Minister said Haryana does not have abundant water resources. The state is dependent on other states or groundwater, both of which have their limitations. However, a third source — rainwater harvesting and conservation — offers a solution. To address this, the Haryana Government has already launched several water conservation schemes, covering sectors such as agriculture, industry, and housing.

Saini said to encourage farmers to grow low-water-consuming crops, the government has implemented the ‘Mera Pani-Meri Virasat’ scheme. Under this initiative, financial assistance is provided for growing alternative crops instead of paddy. The incentive, which was previously Rs. 7,000 per acre, has been increased to Rs. 8,000 per acre in the latest budget, he said.

The Chief Minister further shared that to maximise irrigation efficiency with minimal water usage, underground pipelines have been installed to facilitate drip and sprinkler irrigation. Under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana: Per Drop More Crop initiative, up to 85 percent subsidy is being provided for micro-irrigation techniques, ensuring better water utilization in agriculture, said Saini.

The Chief Minister said treated water from Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) is being used for irrigation, industries, and non-drinking water needs in urban areas. He further said under the Amrit Sarovar Mission, 2,215 ponds have been renovated for wastewater treatment and management, along with the restoration and rejuvenation of water bodies.