MP: What PM Modi said about Sidhi's water conservation efforts in “Mann Ki Baat”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his monthly radio broadcast 'Mann Ki Baat', lauded the remarkable water conservation initiatives and community-driven efforts undertaken in Sidhi. The recognition of Sidhi's achievements on a national platform by the country's highest leadership is a matter of pride not only for the district but for the entire state.
Modi, during his 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, highlighted the water conservation initiatives undertaken in Madhya Pradesh's Sidhi and Narsinghpur districts while discussing the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign. Appreciating the State Government's efforts, the Prime Minister said that nearly 1,500 farm ponds had been constructed in Sidhi district, while Amrit Sarovars in Narsinghpur had been rejuvenated.
PM Modi emphasised that the campaign to conserve every drop of rainwater must be transformed into a people's movement. He urged citizens to take responsibility for a nearby pond, well or stepwell and actively participate in the mission to save every drop of water. He said that every drop of water conserved today would become the greatest asset for future generations.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav listened to the 'Mann Ki Baat' with local residents at Kanchana Ghat in the historic and religious town of Orchha in Niwari district.
Under the Jal Ganga Sanvardhan Abhiyan, implemented under the guidance of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, Sidhi district has linked water conservation with development and sustainable livelihoods through large-scale interventions. As part of the campaign, 1,489 farm ponds have been constructed, significantly enhancing rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and irrigation capacity. These farm ponds are ensuring reliable water availability for farmers and strengthening agricultural sustainability.
The district has completed 12,983 water conservation works to date. These efforts have increased Sidhi's water storage capacity from 13.57 crore cubic metres to 18.06 crore cubic metres, creating an additional storage capacity of 4.48 crore cubic metres. The enhanced capacity is expected to bring nearly 896 hectares of additional land under irrigation, while the additional stored water can meet the daily water requirements of nearly one lakh people.
To ensure long-term water sustainability, a river rejuvenation campaign has been undertaken across all five Janpad Panchayats of the district. One river was selected in each Janpad Panchayat, where check dams, stop dams, boulder check dams and gabion structures were constructed. As a result, many rivers now retain water even during the summer months.
In the Sihawal development block, lift irrigation systems have been established at Vyavhar Khand, Kunjhunkala, Bahri, Amarahi and Podi villages, enabling river water to reach tribal farmers living in higher-altitude areas.
Sidhi has also successfully integrated water conservation with livelihood generation. At present, 211 ponds are being used for fish farming, while 178 ponds support water chestnut cultivation. These activities have generated direct economic benefits of nearly ₹80 lakh for fishermen's groups, self-help groups and individual fish farmers.
Additionally, the district has developed a green livelihood model based on 18,600 fruit-bearing plants, which is projected to generate an annual income of approximately Rs 3.59 crore in the future. The revival of the Belha Dam is also expected to increase annual agricultural income by nearly Rs 4.75 crore.
Prime Minister Modi's mention of Sidhi in 'Mann Ki Baat' serves as national recognition of these efforts and has greatly encouraged the district's citizens, farmers, self-help groups and all those associated with the water conservation movem ent.