Over 1.1 Million Visitors Witness ‘Swachh Sujal Gaon’

Mahakumbh Nagar: Under the leadership of the Yogi government, the Namami Gange and Rural Water Supply Department have established ‘Swachh Sujal Gaon’ (Clean & Sustainable Water Village) across 40,000 square feet at Mahakumbh 2025. This unique village has already attracted over 1.1 million visitors, offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of rural Uttar Pradesh.

Visitors to this village are offered ‘Jal Prasad’ (Holy Water Offering), while a Ganga Jal Aarti (Ganga Water Ritual) is performed every evening. The village witnessed its highest footfall on January 19, January 24, January 26, and February 9, with over 100,000 visitors per day on these occasions. Entry was temporarily restricted during major bathing festivals.

Jal Jeevan Mission: A New Identity for Bundelkhand
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Jal Jeevan Mission has successfully provided household water connections across Bundelkhand’s villages. Visitors are witnessing the before-and-after transformation of Bundelkhand, highlighting the region’s journey from a water-scarce area to a self-sufficient one.

A Glimpse of a Flourishing Village in 40,000 Sq. Ft.
The village showcases PM Awas (Prime Minister Housing Scheme), CM Awas (Chief Minister Housing Scheme), Gram Panchayat offices, and solar-powered infrastructure, reflecting the new identity of a transformed Uttar Pradesh where rural development is a priority.

Women’s Participation in the Exhibition
The exhibition also highlights the role of rural women from Bundelkhand, who are sharing their experiences about water scarcity and its solutions through the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Villages in Banda, Jhansi, and Chitrakoot where marriages were once postponed due to a lack of water.
Women from Lalitpur and Mahoba, who suffered hair loss due to carrying water over long distances, now speak about how access to clean water has transformed their lives.
‘Jal Mandir’ - A Message of Water Conservation
A special ‘Jal Mandir’ (Water Temple) has been set up at Mahakumbh, showcasing a symbolic representation of Ganga flowing from Lord Shiva’s locks. The installation conveys the message that "Water is sacred, life-giving, and must be preserved."

‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ - Honoring Visitors with Jal Prasad
In line with the Indian tradition of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (Guests are God), the Namami Gange and Rural Water Supply Department is honoring visitors with a ‘Jal Prasad’ package, which includes:

Holy water from the Sangam (confluence of rivers)
A Jal Jeevan Mission diary
Study material highlighting success stories of transformation
The ‘Swachh Sujal Gaon’ will remain open for visitors until February 26, 2025, offering a unique insight into the remarkable progress of Uttar Pradesh’s rural development.

Report by Zainul Abdin