Dudhala, Amreli, Gujarat, India | 27 August 2026:
In a significant step towards water conservation and rural development, Hon’ble Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amitbhai Shah inaugurated Gujarat Gaurav Sarovar in Dudhala, Amreli, a water body restored under an initiative of Dholakia Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Hari Krishna Group.

The inauguration took place on 27 August, World Lake Day, making the occasion especially meaningful as the world comes together to recognise the importance of lakes and water ecosystems. The event was attended by government representatives, members of the Dholakia family, Hari Krishna Group employees, community representatives and residents of Dudhala and nearby villages.
The inauguration underlined how water sustains agriculture, livelihoods and communities in rural India, shaping the future of generations to come.

The Journey of Gujarat Gaurav Sarovar

Gujarat Gaurav Sarovar was restored in 2018 as part of the 52.9-kilometre Gagadiya River rejuvenation undertaken through Dholakia Foundation’s Mission River initiative.
Spread across 21 acres, the lake measures roughly 360 metres in length, 260 metres in width and 4 metres in depth, with a storage capacity of about 40 crore litres. Over the years, the restored water resource has supported agriculture, improved local water availability and contributed to a greener environment for surrounding communities.

The sarovar is part of a wider water conservation landscape in Dudhala. On his way to the venue, Shri Amitbhai Shah also visited Hari Krishna Sarovar and Bharat Mata Sarovar, the latter inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2024.
Together, these water bodies reflect a sustained effort to strengthen water security in the region.

A Shared Commitment to Water and Development

Following the inauguration and tree plantation by Shri Amitbhai Shah, the programme continued with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and shloka recitation by children. This was followed by a welcome address by Shri Savjibhai Dholakia, who spoke about the significance of Gujarat Gaurav Sarovar, the collective efforts behind its creation, and his lifelong commitment to water conservation and the environment.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Savjibhai Dholakia said:

“This is not just a lake; it carries the emotions of our workers, our labourers and our entire family. Today, with the presence of Hon’ble Shri Amitbhai Shah, our land has been blessed, and the pride and honour of Gujarat Gaurav Sarovar have been elevated. As long as I live, I want to continue working for water, the environment and trees.”

Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amitbhai Shah spoke about Gujarat’s journey from severe water scarcity to greater water security, the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in strengthening water conservation across the country, and the contribution of individuals and organisations such as Shri Savjibhai Dholakia in taking this movement forward.

Speaking about the impact of the work at Gujarat Gaurav Sarovar, he said:
“When I inaugurated this lake and looked at the water bodies, my heart was not just filled with happiness — I felt a deep sense of peace in my soul.”

The programme was attended by Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Harshbhai Sanghavi, Shri Jitubhai Vaghani, Cabinet Minister and District Prabhari Mantri, Amreli, Shri Kaushikbhai Vekariya, Minister, Government of Gujarat and MLA, Amreli, Shri Bharatbhai Manubhai Sutariya, Member of Parliament, Amreli Lok Sabha, and Shri Govindbhai Laljibhai Dholakia, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Gujarat

Also present were Shri Jaysukhbhai Kakadiya (MLA, Dhari), Shri Janakbhai Talaviya (MLA, Lathi), Shri Maheshbhai Kaswala (MLA, Savarkundla), Shri Hirabhai Solanki (MLA, Rajula), Smt. Dakshaben Chhodvadiya (President, Amreli District Panchayat) and Shri Atulbhai Kanani (President, Amreli).
The programme closed with a vote of thanks by Shri Ghanshyambhai Dholakia.

World Lake Day: A Meaningful Moment for Water Conservation
The inauguration held special significance as 27 August is observed as World Lake Day by the United Nations. The day was designated by the UN General Assembly to raise awareness about the importance of lakes and the need to preserve, conserve, restore and sustainably manage lake ecosystems.
For Dholakia Foundation, the occasion brought together a local effort with a global reminder: protecting water today is essential to sustaining communities and future generations.

Building a Larger Water Conservation Movement
Gujarat Gaurav Sarovar is one part of Mission River, Dholakia Foundation’s long-term initiative to restore rivers, rejuvenate water bodies and improve water availability for communities.

As of August 2026, Mission River has rejuvenated 208 water bodies, conserved 39.19 billion litres of water and benefited more than 5 lakh people.

The Foundation’s environmental work extends beyond water too. Through Mission 102030, it has planted 3.8 million trees to date, working to increase green cover across the region.
Together, these initiatives reflect a simple, long-term approach: restore water, restore the land and strengthen the communities that depend on both.

About Dholakia Foundation

Dholakia Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Hari Krishna Group, works under the leadership of Shri Savjibhai Dholakia across water conservation, environmental restoration, rural development, education and community welfare.

Through Mission River and Mission 102030, the Foundation is driving large-scale environmental initiatives to create lasting benefits for rural communities and future generations.

Gujarat Gaurav Sarovar is one chapter in that journey, showing how restoring water resources can strengthen the land, support livelihoods and build a more sustainable future for rural India.