Gandhinagar: In a major step towards sustainable water conservation and urban rejuvenation, MoUs were signed between Torrent Group’s philanthropic arm, UNM Foundation, and six civic bodies for the upkeep and maintenance of renovated and beautified lakes in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Gandhinagar MP and Union Home & Cooperation Minister Amit Shah.

As per the agreements, the foundation will take up the maintenance of 69 lakes in the constituency. Of these, 42 lakes have already been renovated, 11 are in progress, and 16 are in the planning stage.

The UNM Foundation, led by Uttambhai N. Mehta, will work with local authorities to provide essential infrastructure such as lighting, utilities, recreational facilities for children, and other amenities around the lakes—ensuring they become vibrant community hubs in addition to serving as vital water reservoirs.

Speaking at the event, Amit Shah said, “Our ancestors built lakes, and it is our collective responsibility to preserve them. Lake revival work may appear small but is immensely important. Creating effective water banks to ensure rainwater collection, lake replenishment, and groundwater recharge is crucial.”

The UNM Foundation is widely recognized for its contributions to health, education, arts, culture, and ecological conservation. Through its flagship initiative ‘Pratiti’, the foundation has so far redeveloped 15 parks and 2 lakes in two cities to international standards, and developed/maintained public gardens covering 98,864 sq. mtrs. in Ahmedabad alone.

Lake Revival Status by Constituency:

• Ghatlodia: 20 completed, 5 in progress, 3 in planning

• Sabarmati: 2 completed, 3 in planning

• Vejalpur: 2 completed, 4 in progress, 3 in planning

• Kalol: 4 completed, 1 in progress

• Sanand: 3 completed, 1 in progress

• Gandhinagar North: 6 completed

• Mansa: 5 in progress, 7 in planning

In total, 69 lakes across the Gandhinagar parliamentary area are set to be maintained under this initiative. DeshGujarat