Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday called for the expansion of the 'Jalsamvaad 2026' initiative into a nationwide mission, with Vidarbha as its launchpad. Addressing the inaugural event of a two-day conference marking the silver jubilee of Purti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha, he emphasized that water scarcity is the primary cause of agrarian distress. He announced that a consultancy firm would prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) free of cost for every water conservation project in the region.
Water Scarcity and Farmer Suicides
Gadkari noted that participants from 19 states are attending the conference, which is themed around water conservation as a solution to farmer suicides in Vidarbha. He recalled visiting a suicide-affected farmer's family near the Maharashtra-Andhra Pradesh border with BJP veteran LK Advani during the Rath Yatra. As the widow spoke, she broke down, and Advani's eyes welled up when her words were translated. This incident solidified Gadkari's conviction that water scarcity lies at the root of agrarian distress. He asserted, 'If we want to transform the nation, we must awaken individuals and awaken society.'
Proposed Measures and Innovations
Gadkari stated that he has asked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to restrict new water well connections to solar-powered pumps only. He also highlighted the need to reduce farm costs by shifting from diesel to flex engines. Citing the example of Mansar farmers producing bitumen used for road construction, Gadkari mentioned that bio-aviation fuel would be the next avenue where agricultural output can feed industrial demand.
Call for Jal Yoddhas
Former Minister and Ballarpur MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar urged Gadkari to use social media to build a force of two crore Jal Yoddhas from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. He warned that the Third World War could be fought over water, adding that unlike most, Gadkari is searching for solutions rather than repeating warnings. Mungantiwar criticized renaming schemes and symbolic gestures, arguing they do not build a conservation culture. He recalled a Wardha river survey where public participation forced communities to realize their own role in degrading the river they held sacred.
Funding and Forest Cover
Minister of State Ashish Jaiswal said that a portion of Maharashtra's DPDC corpus could be directed towards water conservation, following Gadkari's suggestion. A CSR portal enabling corporate contributions to development projects is also in the works. Jaiswal added that the state aims to raise forest cover from 20% to 33%, backed by a budget provision for a tree plantation drive.
Local Commitment
Minister of State Pankaj Bhoyar, guardian minister of Wardha and Bhandara, expressed pride that Tamaswada, where Purti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha started its work, is in his Assembly constituency. He assured that all schemes in Wardha and Bhandara would be taken up on priority.
Upcoming Events
The event's second programme, Jalkranti Parishad, will be held on Monday at Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Sabhagruha, Reshimbagh. Actors Aamir Khan, Nana Patekar, and Makrand Anaspure are expected to attend. Soil and water conservation minister Sanjay Rathod and vice-chancellors of Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth and Gondwana University will also be present.
