The Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan is a major public campaign by the Madhya Pradesh government focused on the rejuvenation of rivers, ponds, and traditional water structures. The initiative emphasizes Jan Bhagidari (community participation) to address water scarcity and climate adaptation. To date, over 2.12 lakh water structures have been completed across 55 districts.
Key Strategies and Objectives
- Integrated Restoration: Focuses on deepening and cleaning water bodies. It integrates with Swachh Bharat Mission-2.0 to treat wastewater via Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs).
- Ridge to Valley Approach: A watershed management technique that treats land from the highest point (ridge) to the lowest (valley) to minimize surface runoff and enhance groundwater recharge.
- Technical Implementation: Utilizes Contour Trenches (over 30% of work) and distributes excavated silt to farmers to boost agricultural soil fertility.
- Institutional Framework: Involves 15 government departments, with the Forest Department contributing 46.3% of physical progress.
- Public Mobilization: Institutionalizes participation through volunteers designated as Jaldoot, Jal Mitra, and Amrit Mitra, linking preservation with cultural rituals like Varun Pujan.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- Narmada Basin: The campaign successfully revived the Ghoda Pachhad River, a tributary of the Narmada. The Narmada is India’s largest west-flowing peninsular river, flowing through a rift valley between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges.
- MP Ramsar Sites (5): Bhoj Wetland, Sakhya Sagar, Sirpur Wetland, Yashwant Sagar, and Karera Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Performance: Khandwa is the top-performing district, while Jabalpur achieved the highest target multiplier (7.3 times).