Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Monsoon steps begun

The Jal Shakti Abhiyan has taken all measures to boost the rural economy and combat present health crisis created by COVID-19. Also, the scheme is to use large availability of rural labour forces (due to lock down).

Highlights

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had recently announced that the monsoon rains in the country are to be normal. With this, the Jal Shakti Abhiyan had made preparations to conserve water and recharge and replenish water sources.

Jal Shakti Abhiyan

The Jal Shakti Abhiyan was launched in 2019. So far, the scheme has covered over 256 water stressed districts in the country. It is the largest mass movement in India that brings all stakeholders under one ambit. This is because more than 6 and half crore people are part of it. This includes central government, state governments, Panchayati raj institutions, etc.

Under the scheme, more than 5 lakh water bodies have been renovated. Around one crore rain water harvesting and water conservation structures have been created.

MNREGS

The Ministry of Home Affairs recently allowed Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme to work on water conservation and irrigation works. The Jal Shakti Abhiyan will now use these forces as well.

The Village Action Plan that are prepared by the local communities are also to be implemented this year under the scheme.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2020