NOT MERELY AN OCCASION FOR REFLECTION, BUT A FESTIVAL OF RESOLVE

In India’s Sanatan (eternal) culture, the ethos of environmental conservation has been an integral part of life since ancient times. Here, nature is viewed not merely as a resource, but as a revered and life-sustaining force. For centuries, recognizing water as the very foundation of life, rivers, lakes, and wells have been worshipped, and a tradition of venerating Lord Varuna (the Water Deity) has prevailed. Furthermore, the message of conservation has been propagated through the worship of trees and plants such as the Peepal, Banyan, Neem, and Tulsi. We have regarded the Earth as our Mother, the Sky as our Father, and the entire creation as our family; it is this very sentiment that has sustained a culture of reverence, balance, and conservation toward the environment in India for centuries.

Against this backdrop, World Environment Day is not merely a ceremonial event, but a global campaign serving as a reminder of humanity’s responsibility toward nature. Celebrated annually on June 5th, this day conveys a crucial message: the future of human civilization remains secure only if the Earth’s environment remains secure. In contemporary times, challenges such as global warming (or climate change), water crises, escalating pollution, diminishing forest cover, and the erosion of biodiversity stand before the entire world as grave issues. In such times, environmental conservation has ceased to be a subject solely for governments; it has evolved into a broadbased movement driven by public participation. In a vast state like Rajasthan—which grapples with severe water scarcity—the significance of environmental and water conservation becomes even more pronounced. In this context, the “Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan Jan Abhiyan”,spearheaded by the Government of Rajasthan, has emerged as a pivotal initiative.

Geographically, Rajasthan is the largest state in the country; however, the availability of water resources here is limited. The state faces a severe deficit in both groundwater and surface water resources. Several administrative blocks within the state have been designated as “Dark Zones” (critical groundwater depletion areas). Furthermore, the quality of the available water is far from satisfactory. Under these circumstances, the prevalence of arid and desert regions, low rainfall, excessive exploitation of groundwater, and consistently rising temperatures have further exacerbated the water crisis in Rajasthan. During the summer months, the drinking water situation in several districts of the state becomes challenging. At such times, it is imperative to transform water conservation into a mass movement. Today, the entire world acknowledges that the greatest crisis of the future will revolve around water. Various United Nations reports also indicate that unless effective water conservation measures are taken in a timely manner, the situation could become even more critical in the years to come. In states like Rajasthan, where average rainfall is low, every single drop holds even greater significance. This is precisely why campaigns such as “Catch the Rain,” “Jal Swavalamban,” and “Vande Ganga” have ceased to be mere government schemes and have instead become a necessity for the future.

Against this backdrop, the “Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan Jan Abhiyan” (Vande Ganga Water Conservation Public Campaign)—launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma—is a direct outcome of this very mindset. This campaign is not merely a government initiative; rather, it represents a earnest endeavor to foster coordination among society, the administration, and the general public. The primary objectives of this campaign are rainwater harvesting, the revitalization of traditional water sources, the cleaning of rivers and ponds, the construction of water conservation structures, and the cultivation of public awareness regarding the importance of saving water. In the cultural fabric of Rajasthan, water has always been revered as a symbol of both life and faith. The region’s ancient baoris (stepwells), wells, ponds, and johads served not only as means for water storage but also stood as focal points of reverence within social life. Rajasthan’s traditions have consistently upheld a deep respect for nature.

The significance of water and trees is vividly reflected in the region’s folk songs, folk deities, and social customs. However, amidst the relentless pursuit of modernity, as these traditional water sources began to face neglect, the water crisis started to assume a formidable and alarming magnitude. The “Vande Ganga” campaign stands as a commendable effort to harmonize this traditional wisdom with modern water management practices. Today, there is an imperative need to accord equal importance to nature conservation alongside modern development. If we are to ensure a secure future for generations to come, the protection of water resources and the environment becomes absolutely indispensable.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, this campaign acquires even greater relevance, as environmental protection and water conservation are mutually complementary. If water sources remain safeguarded, greenery will flourish, groundwater levels will improve, and the ecological balance will be maintained. Driven by this very philosophy, Rajasthan is currently organizing various public awareness programs—including the “Hariyalo Rajasthan Abhiyan” (Green Rajasthan Campaign)—alongside initiatives such as the cleaning of water bodies, water conservation pledges, voluntary labor (Shramdaan), and tree-plantation drives. Efforts are also underway to engage people at the grassroots level—specifically at the Panchayat level in villages—thereby enabling every citizen to become an active participant in this campaign. Across numerous locations in Rajasthan, work has commenced on the revitalization of dried-up ponds and drainage channels. In rural areas, residents are being encouraged and motivated to construct rainwater harvesting structures. Furthermore, the message of water conservation is being disseminated among students in schools and colleges, with the aim of fostering environmental sensitivity within the new generation. The participation of women, voluntary organizations, and the youth is transforming this campaign into a mass movement. At the administrative level, too, coordination has been established among various departments, prioritizing water conservation. From the perspective of environmental protection, this campaign holds immense significance. Water conservation breathes life into trees and vegetation. Increased greenery helps regulate temperatures and safeguards biodiversity. The continuously rising heat and frequent heatwave incidents in Rajasthan serve as a stark reminder of how essential it is to maintain a balance with nature. If ponds, rivers, and water sources are revitalized, the ecological balance will be strengthened as well. Thus, the “Vande Ganga” campaign is not merely an effort to save water, but a comprehensive stride taken towards holistic environmental protection.

World Environment Day also teaches us that our responsibility towards nature cannot be limited to just a single day. Environmental protection must be integrated into our lifestyle. Small efforts—such as reducing plastic usage, conserving water, undertaking extensive tree-planting, saving energy, and maintaining cleanliness— can serve as the foundation for monumental change. Positive results emerge when society and the government work in tandem. The ongoing “Vande Ganga Water Conservation Mass Campaign” in Rajasthan stands as a prime example of this collective power. Within the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly complex, I have initiated significant projects, including the development of a Nakshatra Vatika (a garden featuring trees associated with the 27 celestial constellations), a Herbal Vatika (a garden of plants with Ayurvedic significance), and a Kargil Shaurya Vatika (a garden commemorating the valor of Kargil). Furthermore, as part of the “Vande Ganga Water Conservation Mass Campaign,” an initiative has been launched to plant two saplings during the period spanning from Ganga Dashami to World Environment Day. I personally inaugurated this campaign by planting a Kalpa Vriksha (wish-fulfilling tree).

In conclusion, World Environment Day is not merely an occasion for contemplation, but a festival of resolve. The “Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan Jan Abhiyan” symbolizes Rajasthan’s visionary outlook—an approach that endeavors to harmonize development with environmental protection. This campaign will achieve complete success only when every citizen recognizes the value of every single drop of water and embraces environmental protection as their moral duty. Protecting nature constitutes humanity’s greatest security—a message conveyed to us by initiatives such as World Environment Day and ‘Vande Ganga.’ The need of the hour is to embrace and internalize this message.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Vasudev Devnani, (The author is the Honorable Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly)