Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain Campaign 2024

On March 11, 2024, the Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, launched the fifth edition of the “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain” campaign at the NDMC Convention Centre in New Delhi.

The campaign, themed “Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti,” highlights the crucial role of women in water conservation and management.

Campaign Overview

The “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain” campaign is a collaborative effort between the National Water Mission, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, and the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation. The campaign aims to promote water conservation and sustainable management through citizen participation, with a special focus on the integral role of women in these efforts.

Key Aspects of JSA: CTR Campaign 2024

This year’s campaign will emphasize several key aspects, including:

• De-silting and cleaning of water bodies
• Revitalizing abandoned/defunct borewells for groundwater recharge
• Geo-tagging of water bodies and updating state revenue records
• Intensified afforestation efforts in water body catchment areas
• Snow harvesting in hilly areas like Ladakh
• Rejuvenation of small rivers
• Women’s Role in Water Conservation

The launch event featured women water warriors from diverse backgrounds who shared their experiences, challenges, and successes in championing water conservation efforts.

Approximately 24 lakh women have been trained to test water samples using Field Testing Kits (FTK) to ensure the quality of piped water supply.

Atal Bhujal Yojna and Women’s Representation

The Atal Bhujal Yojna ensures that at least 33% of the members in the Gram Panchayat are women, who participate in the preparation of water budgets and water security plans. This initiative recognizes the importance of women’s participation in decision-making processes related to water resource management.

Jal Jeevan Mission’s Success

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) was launched by the Government of India in July 2019 by the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation.

The mission has achieved 75% coverage of rural households with tap water connections, positively impacting the welfare of society across rural parts of the country.

Focused Interventions of JSA: CTR 2024

• The campaign includes several focused interventions:
• Water conservation and rainwater harvesting
• Enumerating, geo-tagging, and creating an inventory of all water bodies
• Preparing scientific plans for water conservation
• Setting up Jal Shakti Kendras in all districts
• Intensive afforestation
• Awareness generation
• Collaborative Efforts and People’s Participation

The success of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan relies on the collaborative efforts of central and state governments, as well as the active participation of citizens.
The Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, appreciated the participation of citizens in previous campaigns and called upon all citizens to actively participate in the “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain” campaign in 2024.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2024

Category: Government Schemes Current Affairs