Dungarpur Initiates Water Revolution

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Embracing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra “Jal Hai To Kal Hai”, the tribal-dominated Dungarpur district in southern Rajasthan has emerged as the first in the state to select 100 model ponds for deepening, cleaning, and beautification. This unique water conservation initiative has been launched under the guidance of district collector Ankit Kumar Singh, based on the initiative of Swachh Bharat Mission’s state coordinator K.K. Gupta.

Under this remarkable “Jal Kranti” campaign, ten ponds have been selected from each of the ten Panchayat Samitis in the district. Deepening work has already begun, aiming to enhance water storage capacity during the monsoon and position Dungarpur as a role model for water conservation across Rajasthan.

District officials, including Collector Ankit Kumar Singh and Zila Parishad CEO Hanuman Singh Rathore, have mobilized MGNREGA workers for pond cleaning and desilting. Supervisory officers have also been appointed to oversee progress. If this year’s monsoon is generous, Dungarpur’s determined efforts may become a global example in water management.

In line with the state's vision, the selected ponds are undergoing desilting, bush clearing, bund repair, and beautification. Water inlets are being cleared to ensure proper flow and recharge.

K.K. Gupta Inspects Model Ponds in Dovra Block
On Monday, SBM’s state coordinator K.K. Gupta visited the model ponds in Dovra, Phaloj, and Pagara panchayats. He expressed satisfaction over the progress and praised the changing face of these ponds. Encouraging the staff and workers, Gupta declared that this labor-intensive effort will not go in vain. He lauded the administration’s commitment and highlighted that all ten blocks are demonstrating dedication to the mission.

Gupta emphasized that these ponds, once rejuvenated, will not only store rainwater efficiently but also help recharge groundwater, reversing the declining trend in surface water levels. He urged the public to contribute one day of voluntary labor to aid desilting and support the Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma’s water conservation campaign.

During the inspection, several officials including Additional Development Officer Girish Kalal, Assistant Engineer Poonamchand Meghwal, Dayashankar Parmar, JTA Kirti Vaishnav, and village development officer Premshankar Parmar were present, alongside local workers and villagers.

Dungarpur, known for its traditional water sources like rivers and ponds, is expected to reap significant benefits from this focused initiative. This is the first time such an extensive action plan involving 100 ponds is being implemented simultaneously in the district.

Previously, K.K. Gupta, as Chairman of the Municipal Council, had successfully revived the city’s ancient stepwells and traditional water sources under Mukhya Mantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan (MJSA), enabling daily potable water supply for thousands of residents.

Amidst global warming and climate change, the world faces growing water scarcity. Many countries purchase water, and in arid regions like Rajasthan, images of water being transported by rail and tankers are all too familiar. Against this backdrop, K.K. Gupta’s initiative, supported by the central and state governments, and executed by the district administration, stands poised to create a transformative impact.

This mission is already showing signs of success, with visible improvements in selected ponds across all ten blocks. As monsoon rains arrive, these rejuvenated water bodies are set to become symbols of hope, sustainability, and a new record in India’s water conservation journey.