Surat : Surat’s migrant textile traders and entrepreneurs are set to spearhead a major public rainwater harvesting initiative in their native states of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. These businessmen, who have made Surat their home, will collaborate with the governments of their respective states to build hundreds of reverse boring systems to conserve rainwater. The campaign aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Catch the Rain” initiative launched in March 2021, which aims to recharge groundwater using rainwater harvesting methods.
A grand event is scheduled for October 13 in Surat’s indoor stadium, where the Chief Ministers of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, along with the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, will be present to witness this collaboration. The Union Minister of Jal Shakti (Water Resources), CR Paatil, shared the details during a press conference in Surat, highlighting the significance of this public-private partnership in water conservation.
CR Paatil emphasized the importance of the “Catch the Rain” initiative, explaining how the campaign is designed to stop rainwater from flowing wastefully and instead recharge the groundwater. This groundwater can then be used for various purposes, including agriculture and drinking water. He said, “The slogan ‘खेत का पानी में खेत और गोन का पानी में गोन’ emphasizes how rainwater in farms and villages should be collected and redirected to recharge the local water table.” He also noted that the initiative has received a positive response in Gujarat.
In South Gujarat alone, around 24,800 reverse borings have been undertaken through public participation. Across the state, the government has committed to building about 80,000 reverse borings in collaboration with NGOs, institutions, and state offices. The overall target for Gujarat exceeds 2 lakh reverse borings. Migrant businessmen from Bihar, who have settled in Surat, have already pledged to install reverse bores in all the villages of five tehsils in their home state.
Similarly, traders originally from Rajasthan, now residing in Surat, are committed to creating reverse bores in villages across Rajasthan as part of this public movement. Patil noted that four reverse bores will be installed in every village. In addition, entrepreneurs from Surat’s Madhya Pradesh migrant community have committed to establishing 3,500 reverse bores across their home state.
The upcoming event on October 13 will see these businessmen formally submit lists of villages in their respective home states where reverse borings will be installed. The presence of dignitaries such as Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary underscores the importance of this initiative.
The rainwater harvesting campaign reflects how Surat’s thriving migrant business community is contributing to sustainable development both in their adopted city and in their home states. The campaign also exemplifies how public participation and government support can drive large-scale environmental initiatives that benefit entire communities. A warm welcome is planned for the Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers at the October 13 event, with the migrant entrepreneurs taking center stage in the celebrations.
The press conference was attended by several prominent figures, including Gujarat’s Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai, Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghvi, Surat Mayor Dakshesh Mavani, and various business leaders from Surat’s textile sector, all eager to support the rainwater harvesting campaign.
