A team from the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Central Groundwater Commission recently visited Dewas to review the ground-level water conservation structures developed under the Amrit Sanchet Abhiyan. The team praised the technical effectiveness and excellence of these structures, highlighting the significant role of community participation and the dedicated efforts of the Amrit Sanchet Abhiyan team.
The technical team from Delhi, including senior groundwater scientist Dr. Mahendra Magarde, Twinkle Chadha, Ankit Sen, and Shipra Surbhi, spent four days in Dewas gathering detailed information on the water conservation structures. The team conducted videography and photography of the structures and gathered data point by point. Dewas has been shortlisted in four categories for the National Water Award, and this team's visit was part of the process to select the final candidates for the award. The report they submit will determine the final decision.
During the visit, the team had discussions with District Collector and Amrit Sanchet Abhiyan team leader Ritu Raj Singh, District Panchayat CEO Jyoti Sharma, and technical expert Dr. Sunil Chaturvedi. The team acknowledged that Dewas is the first city in the country where such a strong collaboration exists between the administration and non-governmental teams to develop large-scale groundwater conservation work. This unique initiative was lauded as a model for the nation.
The team reviewed various water conservation structures in Akbarpur Panchayat, including check dams, farm ponds, gabion structures, roof water harvesting, solar irrigation, and Miabaki techniques. They toured the village, engaging with Panchayat representatives, officials, and beneficiaries.
At St. Thomas School, the team assessed the Dewas filter, recharge shaft, STP, lawn, sprinkler systems, kitchen gardens, and swimming pool, engaging in detailed discussions with students, teachers, and team members.
At Kaparo Industry, the team was impressed by the savings of Rs 12 lakh in water bills this year, thanks to small changes implemented by the Amrit Sanchet Abhiyan team, which allowed the factory to stop purchasing expensive water from the Narmada river. The team also examined the recharge systems, plantation efforts, and biodiversity initiatives at the factory.
In Dewas Greens Colony, the team praised the footpath recharge, recharge shafts in the garden, the revival of a step-well, and the increased biodiversity. The team expressed satisfaction with the efforts to create an environmentally sustainable atmosphere through roof water harvesting and extensive greenery.
The team, along with technical experts such as Dr. Sunil Chaturvedi, Dr. Sameera Naeem, Gangasingh Solanki, Shrikant Upadhyay, Manish Vaidya, groundwater expert Himanshu Kumawat, Safiya Qureshi, Kripali Rana, and Shriram Kumawat, commended the passion, commitment, and dedication of the Amrit Sanchet Abhiyan team.
They emphasized that the team is playing a crucial role in environmental conservation and appreciated the efforts to spread awareness through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, giving the initiative nationwide visibility.