Madhya Pradesh’s Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan is gaining international attention as a successful water conservation model. Launched under Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, the campaign focuses on rejuvenation of rivers, ponds and traditional water bodies while promoting sustainable water management practices across the state.
The recently concluded seven-day “Sadanira Samagam” at Bharat Bhavan in Bhopal highlighted integration of water conservation efforts with India’s cultural heritage. The event was attended by diplomats from Cyprus, Fiji, Mexico, Nepal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Ecuador, who praised the Madhya Pradesh model as a meaningful response to the growing global water crisis. Several foreign envoys expressed interest in adopting similar initiatives in their respective countries.
Cyprus High Commissioner Evagoras Vryonides stressed the need for greater public awareness on water scarcity and announced that a cultural troupe from Cyprus would visit Bhopal. Fiji High Commissioner Jagannath Sami highlighted climate change as a pressing concern, noting shared priorities between India and Fiji in environmental protection. Mexico’s Vanessa Adrian praised the initiative’s effort to link water conservation with cultural heritage, suggesting India and Mexico could work together on environmental challenges as inheritors of ancient civilisations.
Nepal’s First Secretary Deepak Porkhire emphasised the responsibility of protecting nature and the cultural affinities between India and Nepal. Trinidad and Tobago’s Chandradath Singh commended the campaign for communicating environmental concerns through cultural expression, while Ecuador’s Deputy Chief of Mission Jorge Vinicio Anrango said his country plans to organise a similar “Sadanira Sangam” inspired by Madhya Pradesh’s efforts.
According to the state government, work has been completed on more than 2.12 lakh water conservation structures against a target of 3.66 lakh. By combining environmental stewardship with cultural engagement, the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan has emerged as a notable model for water conservation and community participation, drawing interest from countries facing similar resource challenges.
