Lucknow: Under the leadership of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Namami Gange and Rural Water Supply Departments have successfully created the ‘Swachh Sujal Gaon’ at Mahakumbh. This initiative has captivated over 1.1 million visitors, highlighting the state government’s efforts to transform rural Uttar Pradesh. Spanning an impressive 40,000 square feet, Swachh Sujal Gaon showcases the state’s progressive strides in village development while reflecting its rich heritage.
A Symbol of Hospitality and Heritage
Embodying the age-old Indian tradition of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (Guest is God), Swachh Sujal Gaon warmly welcomes its visitors with ‘Jal Prasad’—sacred water offerings. Each evening, the village hosts a spiritual ‘Ganga Jal Aarti,’ drawing crowds eager to experience the divine atmosphere. Visitor turnout has been especially high on key dates such as January 19, January 24, January 26, and February 9, when daily footfalls crossed the 100,000 mark. However, access was restricted during major bathing festivals to manage the influx of pilgrims.
Showcasing Rural Transformation
Swachh Sujal Gaon offers a firsthand look at Uttar Pradesh’s rural transformation, particularly in regions like Bundelkhand. Previously plagued by acute water shortages, Bundelkhand has seen remarkable improvements through initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath.
Visitors to the model village witness how government schemes such as the PM Awas Yojana, CM Awas Yojana, and solar energy projects have uplifted rural communities. Women from Banda, Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Lalitpur, and Mahoba share their personal stories of transformation, describing how access to clean drinking water has significantly improved their quality of life. Previously, water scarcity had led to serious health problems and social issues, including delays in marriage. Today, their lives have changed for the better.
Jal Mandir: A Tribute to Water Conservation
One of the key attractions at Swachh Sujal Gaon is the ‘Jal Mandir,’ a symbolic structure where water cascades from the hair of Lord Shiva, representing the sacred arrival of the Ganga on Earth. The installation serves as a reminder of the importance of water conservation. The daily Ganga Jal Aarti at the Jal Mandir narrates the journey of the Jal Jeevan Mission and underscores the significance of preserving water resources for future generations.
Inclusivity and Multilingual Accessibility
To ensure that visitors from across India connect with these positive changes, Swachh Sujal Gaon offers information in five languages—Hindi, English, Bengali, Telugu, and Marathi. The interactive displays and guided tours help guests understand the impact of developmental programs on rural life.
Honoring Guests with Knowledge and Tradition
In keeping with the spirit of Indian hospitality, guests at Swachh Sujal Gaon receive a specially curated jute bag containing sacred water from the Sangam, a journal detailing the Jal Jeevan Mission’s achievements, and educational materials on the region’s developmental progress.
Swachh Sujal Gaon will remain open for visitors until February 26, 2025, continuing to serve as an inspiring testament to Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to sustainable development and rural empowerment.
