The Swachh Sujal Gaon, developed by the Namami Gange and Rural Water Supply Departments at Maha Kumbh mela area under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has attracted over 11 lakh visitors so far.

Spread over an area of 40,000 square feet, Swachh Sujal Gaon, showcases transformation of Uttar Pradesh’s rural landscape under the state government’s initiatives. It offers visitors a glimpse into Uttar Pradesh’s success story, showcasing villages transformed by landmark state government reforms.

The Swachh Sujal Gaon also reflects the age-old tradition of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, during their visit visitors are served ‘jal prasad’ (water offerings) in jute bags, which includes water from the Sangam, a diary related to the Jal Jeevan Mission, and educational materials related to success stories and transformations that have taken place. Additionally, daily Gangajal aarti is held in the village each evening.

The village continues to receive a steady influx of visitors, with significant footfall on specific dates such as January 19, January 24, January 26 and February 9, when the number of visitors exceeded one lakh each day. However, entry to the village was restricted on major bathing festivals.

Visitors are also being introduced to the success of the Jal Jeevan Mission under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, which has ensured that every household in Bundelkhand now has access to clean drinking water.

This transformation from the underdeveloped, water-scarce Bundelkhand before 2017 to its present improved state is also being highlighted for visitors.

Visitors can also witness the modern day story of Uttar Pradesh’s rural development, including the PM Awas Yojana, CM Awas Yojana, village panchayats, and the use of solar energy to create a prosperous, sustainable environment.

The Swachh Sujal Gaon will be open for visitors until February 26.

Various programmes, including exhibitions, are being held in the village. Rural women from Bundelkhand have been given a platform to share their stories of how access to clean water has transformed their lives.

Many women from villages in Banda, Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Lalitpur and Mahoba, where water scarcity previously led to difficulties such as delayed marriages or severe health impacts like hair loss due to the burden of carrying water, are sharing their transformation stories.

Information in the village is available in five languages: Hindi, English, Bengali, Telugu and Marathi, ensuring that visitors from all over the country can connect with the changes taking place in Uttar Pradesh.

The Rural Water Supply and Namami Gange departments have also created a ‘Jal Mandir’. In this temple, water flows from Lord Shiva’s hair locks, symbolising the arrival of the Ganga to Earth.

The message being conveyed is that water is a blessing and life-giving, and it should not be wasted but conserved.