Gujarat a guiding force for water conservation: Uma Bharti

Union Minister for Water Resources and Ganga Rejuvenation Uma Bharti today praised Gujarat government for the work done by it in keeping rivers clean and announced launch of a nationwide water management programme next year. "I appreciate the work done here in keeping the rivers clean and in conservation of water. From the first week of 2015-16, my ministry is planning to launch a nationwide programme for water conservation," she told reporters at Siddhpur town in north Gujarat.

The BJP leader performed 'shradhh' ritual of her mother at Bindu lake there and then visited Saraswati river, considered to be the branch of lost Saraswati river. "We need to conserve monsoon water and that of rivers for our use. And, I believe that Gujarat will guide us in this direction," she said.

Bharti also hinted at devising a plan to clean river Ganga on the lines of Sabarmati riverfront, saying Narendra Modi has become prime minister to develop the country as well as to clean Ganga. "The way Chinese President was taken for a walk on the banks of Sabarmati, we cannot take him on the banks of Ganga or Yamuna at present. Thus, I think that Modi has become our prime minister for the development of India as well as to clean Ganga," she said.

"Just like Gujarat became a model state after Modi became its chief minister, India will become a model country for other nations after five years. I firmly believe that Modiji will accomplish it," she said.

Bharti also called on Chief Minister Anandi Patel in Gandhinagar and later visited Sabarmati riverfront here.