Umakant Umrao Retires as IAS Officer

Umakant Umrao, a 1996-batch IAS officer, retired on Friday as the principal secretary of the Animal Husbandry Department in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Throughout his career, Umrao held various postings in different departments, but his most notable work was in saving water bodies in Narmadapuram and Dewas.

Umrao's work in Dewas, where he was posted in 2006, is particularly noteworthy. At the time, the district was facing a severe water shortage, with a depleted underground water table and farmers struggling to irrigate their fields. In response, Umrao launched the 'Paani Bachao, Labh Kamao' campaign, which encouraged farmers to set aside 10% of their land for constructing ponds to collect rainwater.

Initially, 40 farmers participated in the campaign, building ponds in their fields with the help of the administration. As a result, rainwater began to collect in the ponds, providing enough water for farmers to irrigate their fields. The success of the Dewas model garnered attention nationwide, and it was even recognized by the United Nations as one of the best water management systems.

Umrao's work did not go unnoticed, earning him the title 'Dewas Ka Bhagirath', a testament to his dedication to water conservation. Later, as a commissioner in Narmadapuram, Umrao continued to work towards preserving water bodies, benefiting local farmers.

Umrao's career is a shining example of the impact one person can have on their community. His work in water conservation has left a lasting legacy, and his retirement marks the end of an era. However, his contributions will continue to inspire and influence future generations of policymakers and conservationists.

The 'Paani Bachao, Labh Kamao' campaign has been widely recognized as a model for water management, and its success has been replicated in other parts of the country. Umrao's work has also highlighted the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts, demonstrating that even small actions can have a significant impact when collective efforts are made.

As Umrao begins his retirement, his legacy as 'Dewas Ka Bhagirath' will continue to inspire others to work towards water conservation and sustainable development. His contributions to the field of water management will be remembered for years to come, and his work will serve as a model for future conservation efforts.

In conclusion, Umakant Umrao's retirement marks the end of a remarkable career, but his legacy will continue to have a lasting impact on the community. His work in water conservation has set a high standard for future policymakers and conservationists, and his contributions will be remembered for generations to come.

The significance of Umrao's work extends beyond his local community, as it highlights the importance of water conservation and sustainable development in India. As the country continues to face water scarcity challenges, Umrao's model provides a valuable example of how community-led conservation efforts can make a significant difference.

Overall, Umakant Umrao's retirement is a celebration of his remarkable career and his contributions to water conservation. His legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations, and his work will remain a testament to the impact one person can have on their community.