Grassroots Leaders as Nation Builders
The selected sarpanches were chosen for their innovative approaches to saving water, promoting sanitation, and fostering self-reliance in villages. Their leadership aligns with the national goals of Jal Samriddh Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
Shri Somanna said, “As we celebrate Independence Day, it is only fitting to honour those who are securing our villages’ future with clean water, sanitation, and sustainable practices.”
Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, Smt. Debashree Mukherjee, highlighted a major achievement — the decline in over-exploited groundwater blocks from 17% in 2017 to 11% in 2024. She credited the sarpanches’ dedication under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan and Catch the Rain initiatives.
“Our sarpanches are true water ambassadors, steering communities toward resilience in the face of climate change,” she said.
Driving Sanitation and Hygiene Goals
Sh. Ashok K.K. Meena, Secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, praised village leadership for achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and working toward ODF Plus Model villages. He stressed the importance of accurate local data to improve monitoring and achieve universal access to tap water.
Inspiring Stories from Across India
The event featured presentations by sarpanches from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh. Their stories showcased community-led solutions like rainwater harvesting, revival of ponds, and decentralised waste management.
Short films on flagship programmes such as Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Namami Gange, Jal Shakti Jan Bhagidari, and Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) were also screened.
Symbol of Modern Nation-Building
The occasion also saw the release of two publications — DDWS’s Voice of Change – Sarpanches at the Forefront and NWM’s Voices from the Field: Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain 2025.
Organised on the eve of Independence Day, the event drew parallels between freedom fighters securing political sovereignty and today’s sarpanches safeguarding water sovereignty and environmental health.
Flagship Programmes at the Core
- Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Safe drinking water for every rural household.
- Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): Water conservation and aquifer recharge.
- Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen): Sustaining ODF villages and achieving ODF Plus.
- Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB): Community-led water governance.
Through these initiatives, sarpanches are not just improving rural infrastructure but are also protecting India’s ecological heritage for future generations.