The Union Jal Shakti Minister initiated the Jal Shakti Abhiyan on 1st July, 2019. This campaign aims to address water conservation and security issues across the nation. The initiative involves the combined efforts of several ministries led by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) under the Jal Shakti Ministry. It primarily focuses on regions with severe water stress.
Phases of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan
The campaign operates in two distinct phases through public participation. The first phase aligns with the monsoon season, from 1st July, 2019 to 15th September, 2019. The subsequent phase takes place from 1st October, 2019 to 30th November, 2019 and targets states affected by the North East retreating monsoons.
Collaborative Approach and Focus Areas
The campaign is a harmonized effort involving numerous ministries of the Government of India and state governments. The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) under the Jal Shakti Ministry is responsible for coordinating these efforts. Emphasis is placed on water-stressed districts and blocks for the most effective impact. Central government officers’ teams will collaborate with district administration in 1592 water stressed blocks scattered across 256 districts.
Five Key Water Conservation Interventions
The main objective of these collaborations is to ensure that five pivotal water conservation interventions are implemented. These interventions include water conservation and rainwater harvesting, renovation of traditional and alternative water bodies/tanks, reuse of water and recharging of structures, watershed development, and intensive afforestation.
| Intervention | Description |
|---|---|
| Water Conservation and Rainwater Harvesting | This involves systematic collection and storage of rainwater. |
| Renovation of Traditional and Other Water Bodies/Tanks | Cleaning and restoring existing water bodies to increase their storage capacity. |
| Reuse of Water and Recharging of Structures | Includes using treated wastewater for various non-potable uses and refilling of aquifers. |
| Watershed Development | Refers to the land area from which water drains under the influence of gravity. |
| Intensive Afforestation | Planting trees in large numbers to create forest covers and improve water infiltration. |
Supplemental Special Interventions
Apart from the aforementioned interventions, there are other special interventions to supplement the primary goals. They include the development of block and district water conservation plans. Additionally, it promotes the efficient use of water for irrigation and better crop selection via Krishi Vigyan Kendras. These efforts are designed to aid in achieving the overall goals of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan campaign.
