Amidst the development spree, Jabalpur is lagging behind in preservation of its natural water resources. The city requires special emphasis on the optimal utilisation and protection of its abundant water resources. This is crucial not only for ensuring water security but also for creating new employment opportunities and fostering socio-economic growth. Despite having an impressive water reserve of 11 billion litres spread across 37 locations, civic authorities and residents have long overlooked the significance of preserving ponds and lakes. However, their continuous degradation and disappearance pose a serious threat to the city’s future water needs. Sanjay Verma, Founder of the Water Resource Consultation Cell, while talking to ‘

 

The Hitavada’, said that Jabalpur is blessed with abundant water resources. He pointed out that experts predict future global conflicts may arise over water scarcity. Thousands of people worldwide suffer from dehydration and in many countries, water remains a rare and precious commodity. Sanjay Verma added that many natural freshwater sources have disappeared over the past decades and over 90% of existing ones are contaminated. Since water is essential for human survival, its misuse could lead to severe consequences for Jabalpur. He urged residents to take moral responsibility in preventing water pollution while calling on civic authorities to implement concrete measures for preserving the city’s remaining ponds and lakes.

 

According to studies, 17.35 lakh species of animals, plants, algae and insects depend on water globally, while an average person requires 16 litters of drinking water per day. The city is naturally blessed with Narmada river and its tributaries include Pariyat, Hiran and Gaur rivers. Historically, Jabalpur had 136 water bodies, including 52 ponds and 84 small lakes, until India’s independence. However, over the past 69 years, 99 of these water bodies have vanished, primarily due to urban expansion and neglect. Worse still, most of the remaining ponds and lakes have become heavily polluted due to untreated sewage and drainage inflows. Among the few surviving water bodies, Khandari Water Reservoir is the only one that has been consistently used for the city’s water supply since the pre-independence era. It is imperative that authorities and citizens take immediate action to restore and protect Jabalpur’s invaluable water heritage.