Jhansi (UP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his monthly radio address, 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday once again highlighted Uttar Pradesh, specifically mentioning the remarkable water conservation efforts in Jhansi district.
The PM praised the women of Jhansi for breathing new life into the Ghurari River and preventing water wastage, showcasing their commitment to addressing the country's water crisis.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath thanked PM Modi for recognising the efforts of the women from Self Help Groups (SHGs) in Jhansi, particularly in the water-scarce Bundelkhand region.
The PM acknowledged the extraordinary work of these SHG women, who as 'Jal Sahelis', led a campaign to revive the dying Ghurari River. He praised their initiative to construct a check dam using sand-filled sacks in order to stop rainwater from going to waste and replenish the river.
The initiative successfully alleviated the region's water scarcity problem. bringing joy to the community.
He emphasised that where 'Nari Shakti' (women's power) enhances 'Jal Shakti' (water power), 'Jal Shakti' in turn strengthens 'Nari Shakti'.
It may be noted that efforts of these Jal Sahelis took place in Simrawari village, Babina development block, Jhansi. Over six days of voluntary labour, they worked tirelessly to construct a dam that revived the Ghurari River. Their initiative not only revived the river but also sent a powerful message to society.
The water retained in the river now provides essential resources for local people, serving their bathing needs and providing drinking water for animals. The Yogi government has undertaken water conservation efforts across Bundelkhand with unprecedented determination, overcoming numerous challenges.
As a result, most households in Vindhya and Bundelkhand have now received water connections. Under the Har Ghar Nal Se Jal Yojana, the government ensures that tap water is supplied to 95 percent of households.
In recognition of their contributions to water conservation, the 'Jal Sahelis' has been honoured by the state and central governments. These women continue to support government efforts in water conservation across Bundelkhand and play a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of preserving water resources.
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Water conservation has become a mass movement, as these efforts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh illustrate. #MannKiBaatpic.twitter.com/RXGqmcSj8f
CM Yogi expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and congratulated the women who have become a source of inspiration for water conservation.
Taking to X, he wrote, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mention of the efforts made by the self-help group women of Jhansi, who became 'Jal Sahelis' to revive the dying Ghurari River, in his Mann Ki Baat program is a moment of pride for all of UP. This recognition will undoubtedly infuse new energy into ongoing water conservation efforts."
Yogi said, "These Jal Sahelis, who have become a remarkable symbol of women’s empowerment by constructing hundreds of water bodies, have set an exemplary standard for water conservation despite facing many obstacles. Heartfelt congratulations to these women who have become an inspiration for water conservation, and sincere thanks to the Prime Minister for his acknowledgment!"