Jal Shakti Abhiyan for Water Conservation launched

Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat recently launched Jal Shakti Abhiyan- a campaign for water conservation and water security in 1592 stressed blocks in 256 districts.

About Jal Shakti Abhiyan

It is a collaborative effort of various Union Ministries and State Governments, being coordinated by Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS).

Focus Area: is water stressed districts (256) and blocks (1592).

Team: Central government officers, led by joint secretaries and additional secretaries, are assigned to these 256 districts and district administration will also nominate 2 members to join the team. This team of officers from central government and district administration will visit and work on water stressed districts and blocks to ensure water conservation interventions.

Campaign is centred on 5 aspects

1. Water conservation and rainwater harvesting
2. Renovation of traditional and other water bodies/tanks
3. Reuse of water and recharging of structures such as bore well
4. Watershed development
5. Intensive afforestation

Special Intervention: Water conservation efforts will also be supplemented with special interventions such as

• Development of Block and District Water Conservation Plans
• Promotion of efficient water use for irrigation
• Better choice of crops through Krishi Vigyan Kendras.

Phases: Campaign will run through citizen participation during

1. Monsoon season- from 1st July to 15th September, 2019.
2. Additional Phase 2- from 1st October to 30th November, 2019 for States receiving North East retreating monsoons.

Large-scale Communications Campaign: has also been planned side by side with JSA, which will involve mass mobilisation of different groups such as swachhagrahis, school students, college students, youth groups (NSS/NYKS/NCC), Self Help Groups (SHG), Panchayati Raj Institution members, defence personnel, ex-servicemen and pensioners, among others.

Significance: With this initiative government aims to provide drinking water to every household on priority and in a sustainable manner. It is also expected to bring positive change in people for water conservation.

Campaign will help people to work for rain water harvesting, maintenance and upkeep of ponds and village tanks and conservation of water.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2019