⇒ The project combines environmental conservation, groundwater recharge, biodiversity enhancement and social infrastructure
AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT | 29th MAY 2026 | Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation and Gandhinagar Member of Parliament Amit Shah on Thursday dedicated the restored Anandam Jedva Lake at Vadsar, a landmark environmental conservation project undertaken by Anandam Parivar. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was also present on the occasion.
Spread across 21 acres and developed at a cost of Rs. 18.71 crore over a period of three years, the project represents a significant step towards ecological restoration, water conservation and sustainable urban development in the Gandhinagar parliamentary constituency.
The lake restoration initiative has been undertaken by Anandam Parivar under the guidance of Amit Shah as part of a broader vision to strengthen environmental sustainability through integrated interventions focused on water, land, air and biodiversity conservation.
The restoration project has revived the Jedva lake’s ecological functions through scientific interventions, including terrain regrading, recharge chambers, filtration systems and stabilised embankments. Surface runoff is now directed back into the lake basin, improving rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge while reducing soil erosion.
The project is also contributing significantly to biodiversity conservation. More than 3,000 native trees representing over 70 species have been planted across the site, creating habitats for local wildlife. The restored ecosystem has already recorded the presence of more than 30 bird species. The lake has a water storage capacity of seven lakh litres and a maximum depth of eight metres.
Anil Patel, Founder of Anandam Parivar, said, “The restoration of Anandam Jedva Lake demonstrates how environmental conservation and community development can go hand in hand. Our objective was not only to revive a water body but also to create a sustainable ecosystem that supports groundwater recharge, biodiversity and public well-being. We are grateful for the guidance of Shri Amit Shah and the support of all stakeholders who helped transform this vision into reality.”
Beyond environmental restoration, the project has been designed as a public space that encourages recreation. The lakefront includes walking promenades, gathering spaces, a senior citizens’ park, children’s play areas, landscaped lawns, gazebos, sculptures, filtration ponds and fountains. Supporting infrastructure includes a percolation well, drinking water facilities, sanitation amenities, parking and service access. Future plans for the site include the development of an amphitheatre, library and aquarium.
The Anandam Jedva Lake project forms part of a wider environmental initiative being implemented by Anandam Parivar, which also includes scientifically designed oxygen parks at Lapkaman, Jaspur and Dantali. Together, these projects aim to deliver environmental, social, economic, educational and ecological benefits while strengthening urban resilience and improving quality of life.
The project also complements broader water conservation initiatives being undertaken in Gandhinagar parliamentary constituency under the guidance of Amit Shah. Around 167 lakes in the constituency have been connected through Narmada pipelines and canal networks. Of the remaining lakes, the first phase aims to connect 50 lakes in Ahmedabad district and 69 lakes in Gandhinagar district before monsoon season.
Currently, interlinking work is underway for 10 lakes in Ahmedabad and 16 lakes in Gandhinagar. In the second phase, a detailed survey will be conducted for lakes that naturally fill with rainwater. Based on the findings, excess water drainage systems and additional interconnections among a majority of the lakes will be developed.
Together, these initiatives are expected to improve water availability, recharge groundwater reserves, strengthen biodiversity and support long-term ecological balance across the region.
