Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C R Paatil led a special interaction programme with Water and WaSH Warriors, community representatives and school students from across the country at the PSOI in New Delhi, reaffirming the central role of public participation and youth engagement in India’s water conservation and river rejuvenation efforts. The programme was attended by Minister of State Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Shri V Somanna, Secretary, Department of Water Resources River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri V L Kantha Rao, Director General National Mission for Clean Ganga Shri Rajeev Mital, and senior officials of the National Mission for Clean Ganga.
The event brought together grassroots change makers, students and community leaders who are actively contributing to initiatives related to clean rivers, drinking water, sanitation and ecological protection, reflecting the spirit of Jan Bhagidari in national water programmes.
Samvaad With WaSH Warriors Community Representatives And Students
The programme commenced with an interactive Samvaad session in which WaSH Warriors and community representatives shared their on-ground experiences of working with local communities to promote water conservation, sanitation and river cleanliness. Participants spoke about village-level initiatives such as riverbank cleanliness drives, plastic reduction campaigns, biodiversity conservation, plantation activities, and protection of water sources.
Several WaSH Warriors highlighted the transformative impact of the Jal Jeevan Mission, stating that Har Ghar Jal has significantly improved health outcomes, reduced the burden on women, enhanced dignity and improved the overall quality of life in rural areas. They emphasised that access to clean tap water has enabled communities to focus more on education, livelihoods and wellbeing.
School students participating in the interaction shared how they are contributing to river conservation and water awareness through school-led cleanliness drives, water-saving practices, plantation programmes, rallies, creative activities and peer-to-peer awareness campaigns. Students underlined their role as young change agents in spreading the message of clean rivers and responsible water use within their families and neighbourhoods. Addressing the students, the Minister noted that young citizens are the future of the nation and will play a decisive role in shaping India’s environmental and developmental journey.
Inauguration Of Twenty Five JALAJ Livelihood Centres
During the programme, Shri C R Paatil inaugurated 25 JALAJ Livelihood Centres, a joint initiative of the Namami Gange Mission and the Wildlife Institute of India. The centres are designed to integrate river conservation with sustainable livelihood generation in the Ganga river basin. The initiative promotes community ownership of conservation activities while creating dignified livelihood opportunities, with a strong focus on women’s participation and local skill development.
Launch Of Youth For Ganga Youth For Yamuna Initiative
The Minister also launched the Eco Roots Foundation’s educational outreach programme and the Youth for Ganga Youth for Yamuna initiative. The project aims to actively involve young people in river conservation by fostering emotional, cultural and environmental connect with the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Shri Paatil expressed satisfaction over the participation of students, teachers and principals from schools in Delhi and noted that the campaign will be expanded across the Delhi NCR region to build a strong youth-led movement for river protection.
Minister’s Address And Key Messages
Addressing the gathering, Shri C R Paatil extended his best wishes to all Jal Praharis for their sustained and dedicated contribution to water conservation, cleanliness and Ganga rejuvenation. He emphasised that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Jal Prahari initiative has strengthened people’s participation, with community members leading the national movement with commitment and consistency.
The Minister lauded the active involvement of school students, women and members of the Yamuna Task Force, acknowledging their role in spreading awareness and encouraging responsible environmental practices at the grassroots level. He also recognised the continued efforts of the National Mission for Clean Ganga, stating that focused and sustained interventions have contributed to improvements in the cleanliness and ecological health of the Ganga.
The programme reaffirmed the importance of community ownership and youth participation in achieving national objectives related to river rejuvenation, drinking water and sanitation. By interacting with and recognising WaSH Warriors, Ganga Praharis, community representatives and students, the Ministry reinforced the message that people’s participation remains the cornerstone of sustainable water governance and national development.
