Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Tuesday asserted that the state has emerged as India's leading performer in water conservation after restoring more than 3.62 lakh water bodies and structures under the Jal Ganga Sanvardhan Abhiyan 2026, a massive 100-day campaign undertaken at an estimated cost of ₹10,000 crore.

Addressing the campaign's closing ceremony in Rajgarh, CM Dr Yadav said the district, known as the land of penance of Sage Kapil, had distinguished itself in water conservation efforts and was among the six best-performing districts under the state-wide initiative.

"The campaign has transformed water conservation into a people's movement. Through these sustained efforts, Madhya Pradesh has become the leading state among the country's major states in water conservation," the Chief Minister said.

Massive restoration drive across the state

The Jal Ganga Sanvardhan Abhiyan was conducted from March 19 to June 30, during which the state government undertook the restoration and rejuvenation of wells, stepwells, ponds, rivers, Amrit Sarovars and other traditional water sources.

CM Dr Yadav said the campaign would now focus on rainwater harvesting, cleaning drainage channels and reviving rivers to ensure long-term water security. He noted that water is indispensable for life and occupies a special place in India's cultural traditions, adding that over 70 per cent of the human body comprises water.

He also pointed out that rivers such as the Parvati, Chambal, Kali Sindh and Kshipra ultimately merge with the sacred Ganga, which inspired the campaign's name.

Rajgarh receives development boost

The Chief Minister said that projects worth more than ₹341 crore had been executed in Rajgarh district under the campaign. On Monday, foundation stones were laid for 14 projects worth ₹247.40 crore, while 17 completed development works worth over ₹100 crore were inaugurated, including the Sandipani School at Jirapur. A newly constructed bridge built at a cost of ₹30 crore was also inaugurated.

During the event, CM Dr Yadav distributed tricycles to specially-abled beneficiaries and handed over scooter keys to women beneficiaries. A coffee table book showcasing Rajgarh's tourism potential was also unveiled.

The programme additionally witnessed the distribution of ₹20 crore in financial assistance to 405 self-help groups, along with benefits for several other eligible beneficiaries.

'Every drop must be preserved'

Expressing concern over forecasts of below-normal rainfall due to the possible impact of El Niño, CM Dr Yadav said the government would continue expanding initiatives such as Amrit Sarovars, rainwater harvesting and river conservation.

Although the campaign has formally concluded, he urged citizens to remain committed to conserving every drop of water for future generations.

Highlighting achievements in agriculture, he said the state's irrigated area has increased from 44 lakh hectares in 2023 to 65 lakh hectares, while irrigation coverage in Rajgarh alone has expanded from 50,000 hectares to 2.5 lakh hectares over the past three years. According to the Chief Minister, improved irrigation has helped curb migration by creating employment opportunities within the district.

He also outlined ongoing welfare initiatives, including monthly financial assistance of ₹1,500 to beneficiaries under the Ladli Behna Yojana, financial support to farmers through the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, and the distribution of free uniforms, notebooks, textbooks and bicycles to schoolchildren.

Preparations for Simhastha 2028 gather pace

CM Dr Yadav said large-scale preparations are underway for Simhastha 2028 in Ujjain, with an estimated 400 million devotees expected to attend the religious congregation. Infrastructure projects, including new road links connecting Bhopal, Rajgarh, Ujjain and Mandsaur, are being developed to facilitate the movement of pilgrims.

Describing Simhastha as the world's largest religious gathering, he said the state government would continue implementing development projects without hesitation despite political criticism.

New announcements made for Rajgarh

The Chief Minister announced road development works for all municipalities in Rajgarh district, including Sarangpur and Pachore, under the Dwarka Yojana. He also approved the proposal for the construction of a grand Bhainswa Mata Lok and sanctioned ₹20 crore for the project's first phase.

Earlier, Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Singh Patel urged citizens to conserve every drop of water, noting that Rajgarh has historically relied on storing external water resources to meet its needs. With forecasts indicating lower rainfall this monsoon, he called for greater public participation in securing water resources for future generations.