HM Amit Shah Inaugurates Gujarat Gaurav Sarovar
21-acre reservoir in Amreli to support irrigation, drinking water and groundwater conservation
- Gujarat Gaurav Sarovar has a 400-million-litre capacity and spans 21 acres.
- Amit Shah highlighted water conservation measures and irrigation expansion under PM Modi.
- He said Narmada water is being stored in around 10,000 reservoirs across North and Central Gujarat.
- Shah also praised philanthropist Savji Dholakia for his contribution to water conservation.
GG News Bureau
Amreli, August 27: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Thursday inaugurated the Gujarat Gaurav Sarovar in Amreli, Gujarat, describing water conservation as essential to ensuring long-term water security for agriculture and drinking needs.
The reservoir, constructed by the Harikrishna Group and Dholakia Foundation, spans 21 acres and has a storage capacity of around 400 million litres. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and other dignitaries attended the inauguration.
Addressing the gathering, Shah said conserving every drop of rainwater and replenishing groundwater could help prevent drought conditions. He said the new reservoir would contribute to agricultural and drinking-water availability while supporting groundwater conservation.
Shah highlighted the water conservation initiatives undertaken in Gujarat under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recalling measures including the construction of check dams, the Narmada project, the SAUNI Yojana and the Sujalam Sufalam Yojana.
According to Shah, around 1.5 lakh check dams were constructed in Gujarat by 2003, while the SAUNI Yojana helped channel surplus Narmada water into reservoirs and rivers across Saurashtra. He said Narmada water is now being stored in approximately 10,000 ponds and reservoirs across North and Central Gujarat.
The Home Minister also highlighted the establishment of the Ministry of Jal Shakti at the Centre and cited measures such as drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation and the “Catch the Rain” campaign.
Shah claimed that irrigation capacity of dams across the country increased by 160 per cent following measures taken under the Modi government. He also said the expansion of lakes and check dams had contributed to improved agricultural output, increased cultivation and greater greenery in Gujarat.
Referring to Gujarat’s water situation, Shah said the state had not experienced a major drought from 2001 to 2026, attributing the change to water conservation and irrigation initiatives.
Shah said the culture of water conservation had increasingly reached the younger generation in Saurashtra, with saints and folk artists helping spread awareness about the importance of saving water.
He also praised Savji Dholakia, founder of the Harikrishna Group, for his contribution to water conservation. Shah noted that Dholakia had helped construct 208 lakes and said such contributions reflected a commitment to public welfare.
Shah said national civilian honours such as the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna should recognise individuals who dedicate their lives to serving the country without seeking recognition.
The inauguration of Gujarat Gaurav Sarovar marks another addition to Gujarat’s water conservation infrastructure, with the project expected to support local water availability and groundwater recharge.
