In a significant step toward addressing the chronic shortage of freshwater in the coastal regions of Surat district, the central government has launched a large-scale groundwater recharge borewell project under the national "Catch the Rain" campaign. Over the next one and a half months, a total of 27,300 recharge borewells are set to be constructed, enabling rainwater to directly seep into the ground and thereby improve the region’s groundwater levels.
This initiative is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nationwide efforts to enhance groundwater reserves by maximizing rainwater conservation. The Ministry of Jal Shakti is spearheading this initiative with an aim to utilize every drop of rainwater through advanced recharge systems across the country. Gujarat has emerged as one of the leading states in swiftly implementing this ambitious mission.
Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C. R. Patil, laid the foundation stone for the project in Olpad, emphasizing that the goal is to replenish the groundwater levels and increase water availability in water-scarce coastal areas of Surat. The newly constructed recharge borewells will store rainwater underground, reducing wastage and helping maintain consistent water levels for both drinking and agricultural purposes.
The project launch saw the participation of several dignitaries, including Minister of State for Home Affairs Harsh Sanghavi, Member of Parliament Mukeshbhai Dalal, MLAs Sandeepbhai Desai and Sangeetaben Patil, District Development Officer Shivani Goyal, Surat City BJP President Pareshbhai Patel, and District Organizational President Bharatbhai Rathod. Local leaders, panchayat members, and villagers from Moragam and surrounding areas were also present at the event.
The initiative is expected to bring long-term relief to residents who have been grappling with freshwater shortages for years. With the support of modern water recharge methods, the region is poised for a future where rivers, springs, and groundwater sources not only become healthier but also more abundantly available.
