Surat, November 24: Known as India’s textile hub, Surat is now setting an example in water conservation by aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "Catch the Rain" initiative. Under the banner of Saket Group, the city’s textile traders are working to turn this campaign into a mass movement. Numerous meetings are being held in textile markets and residential areas of traders to implement rainwater harvesting systems across societies.
In a significant step toward water conservation, a key meeting was organized in Jain Nagar, Model Town, a prominent residential area for textile traders. Society leaders and community members actively participated, with the agenda focused on installing rainwater harvesting systems in every housing society.
Advocating Water Preservation
During the meeting, Vikram Singh, President of the Rajasthan Yuva Sangh, emphasized the critical need for water conservation. "Water is life. While India has 18% of the world’s population, it only has 4% of global water resources. Preserving rainwater is not just a necessity but a responsibility to ensure sustainability for future generations. Rainwater harvesting serves as a safeguard for our children," he said.
Saket Group mentor Sanwar Prasad Budhia urged citizens to adopt this initiative as a nationwide movement. "Prime Minister Modi's 'Catch the Rain' campaign is an inspiration for all of us. Implementing rainwater harvesting systems is not just an environmental responsibility but also a moral duty to society and future generations. Every citizen must actively participate in this mission," Budhia stated.
Support from Local Authorities
Vijay Chaumal, Chairman of the Surat Municipal Corporation's Slum Committee, assured full municipal support for implementing rainwater harvesting systems across societies. Jain Nagar Society President Rajendra Shekhawat, along with social worker Akhilesh Parik, pledged to install rainwater harvesting systems in their markets and societies, signing a commitment to the cause. They also assured Saket Group of their full cooperation in the campaign.
Addressing India’s Water Crisis
Speakers highlighted the growing water crisis in India, where groundwater depletion and uncontrolled rainwater runoff are worsening the problem. Giridhari Singh stressed that rainwater harvesting is an effective solution for replenishing groundwater levels. Pradeep Parik added that the Saket Group’s initiative in Model Town could serve as an inspiration for other cities and industries to follow. "PM Modi’s vision to save water where it falls is being realized here, and this model can be replicated elsewhere," Parik said.
Technical Insights into Rainwater Harvesting
In his closing remarks, Ramavatar Parik explained the technicalities of harvesting rainwater and recharging it into the ground. "This is the only solution to ensure both the quantity and quality of water resources for future generations," he concluded.
The campaign’s growing momentum in Surat demonstrates how a community-driven approach can transform a government initiative into a larger movement, inspiring sustainable practices for a better tomorrow.
