“Vande Ganga Water Conservation Campaign is a Collective Effort to Preserve Water” – MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat

Udaipur: Member of Parliament for Udaipur, **Dr. Mannalal Rawat**, stated that the *Vande Ganga Water Conservation Jan Abhiyan* is a collective effort aimed at preserving water resources. He made these remarks during a press conference held on Thursday to mark the launch of this **statewide campaign**. Dr. Rawat highlighted that Rajasthan still faces a shortage of water relative to its population, and this initiative is expected to deliver effective results in water conservation. He also acknowledged the central government’s historic initiatives in this field, such as the **River Linking Project**, which he said would yield long-term benefits for future generations.

During the press briefing, **Udaipur Rural MLA Phool Singh Meena** recalled the significant success achieved under the **Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan**, launched by the previous government. He noted that the current administration has taken steps to build on that legacy. He emphasized that with **public participation**, the Vande Ganga campaign too will be successful and achieve the desired outcomes.

**T. Ravikant**, Principal Secretary of the Department of Mines & Petroleum and the District-in-Charge Secretary, described the campaign as a **people’s movement** that would lead to significant change through increased public awareness and participation.

Responding to media queries, **District Collector Namit Mehta** informed that the campaign would be closely monitored through a dedicated mobile application, which will include **photographic evidence and geo-tagging**, ensuring transparency and real-time oversight at the state level. He also shared that a **special committee** has been formed to oversee the conservation and enhancement of the **Menar Ramsar Site**. Mehta stated that directives have been issued to remove encroachments from local water bodies and that the **restoration of all stepwells (baoris)** in the district will be undertaken during the campaign. He assured that **solid steps** would be taken to prevent the dumping of waste into lakes.

As part of the **Hariyalo Rajasthan campaign**, **38 lakh saplings** are set to be planted across the district during the upcoming monsoon season.

**CEO of Zila Parishad, Ria Dabi**, provided an overview of the campaign and elaborated on various activities planned at the district level. Other dignitaries present included **Municipal Commissioner Ramprakash**, **IAS trainee Srishti Dabas**, and **Superintending Engineer (Watershed) Atul Jain**, among others.