On the occasion of World Water Day, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday called upon all the people of the State to take a pledge to save every single drop of water and prevent its misuse. He encouraged people to become ‘Jal Mitras’ and contribute to the success of the ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2025’ campaign.

Saini, speaking at the national-level launch ceremony of the ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2025’ at Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula, emphasized that the initiative would be a milestone in the efforts being taken for water conservation. The 2.8 crore people of Haryana would leave no stone unturned in ensuring the success of this water conservation movement.

Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of Jal Shakti CR Patil for choosing Haryana to launch this nationwide campaign, he said that upon receiving the news about this event, he felt not only honoured as the Chief Minister but also proud as a citizen of Haryana to be a part of such an important water conservation movement.

Saini further said that water conservation is not just a campaign but a movement and a revolution. He stressed that this initiative is not merely a government scheme but a crucial step for securing the future of coming generations. When ‘Neeti, Niyat aur Netratav’ (Policy, Intent, and Leadership) are right, society also undergoes transformation, and Prime Minister Modi has proven this to be true.

Prime Minister Modi has set nine resolutions for a sustainable future, with water conservation being the first, he added.

He further emphasized that the Jal Shakti Abhiyan is crucial not only for the present generation but also for future generations. To encourage farmers to grow low-water-consuming crops, the Government has implemented ‘Mera Pani-Meri Virasat’ scheme. Under this initiative, financial assistance is provided for growing alternative crops instead of paddy. The incentive, which was previously Rs 7,000 per acre, has been increased to Rs 8,000 per acre in the latest budget, he said.

Hry to receive its share of water: Meeting to be held with CMs of concerned States soon: Union Jal Shakti Minister

Union Minister of Jal Shakti Patil, addressing the gathering on the occasion, said that to ensure Haryana receives its rightful share of water, a meeting with the Chief Ministers of the concerned states will be held in the coming days to resolve inter-state issues. Once these issues are resolved, Haryana will receive the water it is entitled to, he said.

The Union Minister said that to promote water conservation and storage, Saini has outlined various programmes in the state budget for 2025-26. With public participation, both the central and Haryana governments will work together in a committed manner to solve the problem of water scarcity in the state, said the Union Minister.