Gangajal scheme eases water scarcity in 4 districts

Patna: The state water resources department on Tuesday said the Gangajal Supply Scheme (Gangajal Apurti Yojna) is delivering positive results in Rajgir, Gaya, Bodh Gaya and Nawada, helping address chronic water shortages in the region.During a review meeting at the irrigation building in Patna, officials described the project as a major step towards tackling water scarcity caused by falling groundwater levels and erratic rainfall patterns.Mission director Sumit Kumar said the scheme marks the first successful effort by the state to transport Ganga water over a long distance through an extensive network of pipelines and pumping stations. He noted that the infrastructure was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, making it a significant engineering achievement.Special secretary K D Prajwal said the project is a key component of the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan. He said the initiative is helping create a more sustainable water management system by diverting water that would otherwise contribute to flooding.Consultant Ishwar Chandra Thakur said climate change has reduced reservoir capacity to nearly 50%, prompting the state to focus on pipe irrigation systems and improved water resource management to maximise the use of available supplies.The department also emphasised environmental sustainability. Engineer-in-chief Varun Kumar urged departmental personnel to contribute to ecological conservation by planting and maintaining at least nine trees during their lifetime to help restore natural water cycles.The programme concluded with the screening of a documentary showcasing the technical execution of the project and its contribution to the socio-economic development of the four beneficiary districts.