As several regions in the country continue to fight acute water shortage despite the onset of monsoon, the government launched its “Jal Shakti Abhiyan” that will primarily focus on 5 aspects. These include rainwater harvesting, water conservation, reuse of water and recharging of structures, renovation of traditional and other water bodies, watershed development, and intensive afforestation.
Jal Shakti Abhiyan To Put Emphasis On Stressed Blocks
The Abhiyan recently launched by the Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will focus majorly on 1592 stressed blocks across 256 districts of India. According to Parameswaran Iyer, the Drinking Water Sanitation Secretary the campaign will run through participation by the citizens during the monsoon months from July 1 to September 15.
Phase II of the campaign will run from October 1 to November 30 for states that receive rains from the northeast retreating monsoons. Iyer stated officers from the Central Government supervised by joint secretaries and additional secretaries have been assigned the task of these 256 districts.
Two members will be nominated by the district administration to join these teams. These efforts at water conservation will be supplemented by other initiatives like district water conservation plans, developing blocks and Krishi vigyan kendra melas for promoting efficient use of water for better crop choices and irrigation.
Teams Constituted In 256 Districts
Prior to the launch of this program, the government formed teams that will work in these 256 districts. The team comprises of engineers and the technical staff who will take stock of the groundwater levels, ponds and water bodies that have been encroached upon in the last more than 2 decades, and state of aquifers.
Time-bound targetted plans have been devised for urban areas that will focus on wastewater reuse for both agricultural and industrial purposes.
The plan includes the development of at least one urban water body that will focus on groundwater recharge in that particular block or city. According to Parameswaran Iyer, support from IITs and scientists at the national level will also be mobilized. The aim of the government is to promote this water conservation campaign, similar to the Swachch Bharat Abhiyaan.
“We plan to use technology in the best possible way to ensure sustainable water conservation plan.” – Shri Param Iyer, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation. @paramiyer_ #JanShakti4JalShakti
— Jal Shakti Abhiyan (@JalShaktiAbhyan) July 1, 2019
I urge my fellow Indians to wholeheartedly support the #JalShaktiAbhiyan.
Let us leave no stone unturned in strengthening the mass movement to conserve water. #JanShakti4JalShakti https://t.co/9JzKXmzdM2
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 1, 2019
Aamir Khan & Amitabh Bachchan Support Jal Shakti Abhiyan
Two big Bollywood superstars, Aamir Khan, and Amitabh Bachchan also expressed their support to this campaign on Twitter and stressed on the need for water conservation.
"It is critical that we save water today for a better tomorrow, for our future generations and nation." – Mr. @aamir_khan urges everyone to take a step forward and do their bit in conserving water to secure our future. #JanShakti4JalShakti @narendramodi @PMOIndia @gssjodhpur pic.twitter.com/1SH2YBvBUG
— Jal Shakti Abhiyan (@JalShaktiAbhyan) July 1, 2019
.@narendramodi Sir, the initiative taken up by you of making water the fundamental and primary issue for all of us is an extremely important step. Our wholehearted support is with you.#JanShakti4JalShakti@JalShaktiAbhyan https://t.co/pNjmKZ66Vb
— Aamir Khan (@aamir_khan) July 1, 2019
.@SrBachchan urges everyone to take a step towards conserving water at their own level during this upcoming monsoon and contribute to a better future. #JanShakti4JalShakti @narendramodi @PMOIndia @gssjodhpur pic.twitter.com/BYaYjbVxkK
— Jal Shakti Abhiyan (@JalShaktiAbhyan) July 1, 2019
Saving water is the most important cause we all need to get involved with. Not only for our own country but for the whole planet. I fully support the Water conservation initiative @JalShaktiAbhyan by the govt. and also @news18dotcom’s #MissionPaani. ? #SaveWater pic.twitter.com/9Qa0RRghpw
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) July 1, 2019
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also focused on Jal Shakti Abhiyan through his Man Ki Baat program on June 30.
Our efforts today will improve the lives of the future generations!
Let us come together to conserve water.
I have three requests for you all. Here they are. #JanShakti4JalShakti pic.twitter.com/Xu472fpiCR
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 30, 2019
