NEW DELHI: Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said that, to remove the stigma of Vidarbha being known as a farmer suicide zone, form Vidarbha and ensure water prosperity in the region’s villages, water conversation should become a mass movement. 

On the occasion of the silver jubilee of Poorti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha, which works in the field of water conservation in Vidarbha, the “Jalsamvad” (water dialogue) and “Jalkranti” (water-revolution) conferences have been organized in Nagpur. Gadkari was addressing a press conference to provide information about these events. MLAs Charansing Thakur and Umesh Yawalkar were also present in the press meet.

Gadkari further said that, we do not have water scarcity in the country; but we lack proper planning and management of water resources. He also clarified that we can achieve water management through organic farming, drip irrigation, and the use of artificial intelligence in agriculture.

He pointed out that the use of soil excavated from farm ponds in the construction of national highways has helped increase groundwater levels in the western Vidarbha districts of Akola, Washim, and Buldhana. He also categorically mentioned that farmers in the region have changed their cropping patterns accordingly. Participation of non-governmental organisations in water conservation is important, but peoples’ active participation is equally valuable, hence; water conservation must become a mass movement, asserted Gadkari. He further stated that in the groundwater-deficient “dark zone” areas of Warud-Morshi and Katol-Narkhed, conservation work related to deepening rivers and streams is being carried out with public participation, and through these efforts, water conservation projects are being undertaken in the region. Gadkari also appealed to local self-government bodies to contribute significantly to these initiatives.

Poorti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha, is constantly working in water conservation for the last 25 years. ‘Tamaswada Model’ developed by the organisation is being recognized across the country.

Marking the silver jubilee year of the organization, two-day national conferences have been organised in Nagpur. The silver jubilee celebrations will be held in two phases — “Nagpur Jalsamvad-2026” on May 17, 2026, and the “Jalkranti Conference” on May 18, 2026.

Prominent water experts, Padma awardees, and distinguished personalities from the social sector from across the country are expected to participate in these events.