Vice President Reviews Water Conservation and River-Linking Efforts

The Vice-President appreciated the department's efforts under the programme and was informed that the second phase, JSJB 2.0, has exceeded expectations.

Vice-President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan was briefed on major water conservation and river management initiatives during a meeting with Union Minister of Jal Shakti C. R. Patil, Minister of State for Jal Shakti Dr Raj Bhushan Choudhary and senior officials of the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation at the Uprashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

The discussions focused on ongoing programmes designed to strengthen water security, improve groundwater recharge and enhance water resource management across the country. Senior officials presented updates on several flagship projects being implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to address growing water challenges and support sustainable development.

Water Conservation Campaign Surpasses Targets

Among the initiatives discussed was the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) programme, a nationwide campaign that promotes water conservation through active participation from governments, local communities, industries and civil society organisations.

The Vice-President appreciated the department's efforts under the programme and was informed that the second phase, JSJB 2.0, has exceeded expectations. Officials reported that more than 1.55 crore water conservation and groundwater recharge structures have been created or documented under the initiative, significantly surpassing the original target.

The programme has been designed to encourage collective action in addressing water scarcity while improving groundwater availability across different regions of the country. Its community-driven approach has helped expand participation and accelerate the creation of water conservation assets on a large scale.

River-Linking Projects Highlighted as Long-Term Solutions

The Vice-President was also updated on the progress of major river-linking projects, including the Ken-Betwa Link Project, the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project and the proposed Godavari-Cauvery Link Project. These projects are intended to improve water distribution by transferring water from surplus river basins to water-deficient regions.

During the discussions, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan noted that river interlinking could play a transformative role in reducing water stress, mitigating drought conditions, expanding irrigation coverage and supporting balanced regional development.

He suggested that landmark national water infrastructure projects, particularly the Ken-Betwa Link Project, should be systematically documented through documentaries and archival records. According to him, preserving these efforts would help future generations understand the scale and significance of such nation-building initiatives.

Recalling his earlier padyatra supporting river interlinking, the Vice-President observed that financial resources are often available for such projects. He remarked that challenges frequently arise from mindset-related issues and political considerations, stressing the need for cooperative and forward-looking approaches to water governance in the national interest.

During the meeting, Union Minister C. R. Patil and Minister of State Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary also invited the Vice-President to participate in the India International Water Week, which is scheduled to be held in September 2026.