Sujlam Suflam Jal Sanchay Abhiyan [Water Conservation Scheme] In Gujarat

Sujlam Suflam Jal Sanchay Abhiyan: Water Conservation Scheme in Gujarat

Water is necessary for drinking as well as agricultural purpose. Some states in India suffer from acute water shortage. Gujarat is one such state that has been reeling under this problem for long. Recently, the state government has understood that the best way to combat the situation is by implementing water conservation techniques. Thus, the CM has implemented the Sujlam Suflam Jal Sanchay Abhiyan in Gujarat.

1	Name	Sujlam Suflam Jal Sanchay Abhiyan
2	Announced Date	2^nd May, 2018
3	Announced By	Vijay Rupani
4	Aim	Water conservation
5	Occasion	58^th Foundation Day Of Gujarat

Key features of the scheme

Rain water storage – The scheme will allow the state government to create extra rain water storage capacity. When it creates a capacity of 11,000 lakh sq. ft, the conserved water can be utilized to meet requirements.
Deepening of ponds and lakes – It is necessary to increase the depth of ponds and lakes. It will allow these to hold more water. Desilting river beds will increase its navigability. For this, soil excavation must be done.
Purchasing soil excavation machines – Deepening the lakes, ponds and rivers will require excavation machines. For this, the state authority will purchase 4000 JCB Hitachi Machines.
Procuring tractors and dumpers – The state government will make arrangements to acquire 8000 dumpers and tractors. The tractors will collect and carry the dugout soil, while the dumpers will assist in unloading the soil.
Distribution of fertile soil – All the excavation works will produce massive amounts of soil. As the soil is dug from deeper layers, it will be very fertile. The state government wants to distribute the fertile soil among farmers for better agriculture.
Revival of rivers – 30 districts in Gujarat state is traversed by big and small 32 rivers. The total length of all these rives is around 340 km. The draft states that apart from water conservation, the aim of this scheme is to resuscitate these streams.
Creation of smaller ponds – Where large dams cannot be constructed, the state government will excavate smaller ponds. It is estimated that a pond or small lake of 27 hectares in Kosmadi is capable to meeting water needs of 25 villages.
Cleansing of water canals – Creating proper water storage techniques is not enough. It is mandatory to create proper channels for its distribution as well. For that, the state government will take up the task of cleaning 5400 km long canals and smaller channels, which measure around 580 km.
Associated conservation and protection schemes – Apart from the above mentioned features, the state government desires to create better platform for carrying out around 10,750 protective and conservational projects. These will be included under the MNREGA Scheme umbrella.

Budgetary allocations

As per the information published by the state authority, it is expected that the state authority will have to shell out 350 crores. But the entire sum will not come from the coffers of the state. Only 50% will be arranged by the Gujarat government, while the rest of the funds will come from private donations.

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