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Question #8

What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security?

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The Jal Shakti Abhiyan, launched by the Government of India, aims to promote water conservation and water security across the country. Some of its salient features are:

  1. Water Conservation: The main objective of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan is to conserve water and ensure its sustainable management. It encourages the conservation of water at all levels, including households, farms, industries, and urban areas.

  2. Integrated Approach: The campaign follows an integrated and holistic approach, focusing on water resource management, drinking water supply, and water conservation. It aims to bring together various government departments, ministries, and stakeholders for effective water management.

  3. Public Participation: The campaign emphasizes active public participation to create mass awareness about water conservation. It encourages people to actively participate in rainwater harvesting, watershed management, and other water conservation activities.

  4. Water-stressed Districts: The campaign specifically targets water-stressed districts across the country. These districts face severe water scarcity and are in need of immediate attention and water management strategies.

  5. Water Security Plans: Each participating district develops and implements a water security plan to address the water-related issues specific to that region. These plans focus on water conservation, rejuvenation of water bodies, and efficient use of water resources.

  6. Monitoring and Reporting: The campaign emphasizes the use of technology and data-driven approaches for monitoring and reporting. Various online platforms and mobile apps are used to track the progress of water conservation measures and identify areas of improvement.

  7. District and State Level Committees: The campaign establishes district and state-level committees comprising government officials, civil society representatives, and experts. These committees coordinate and monitor the implementation of water conservation measures at different levels.

  8. Convergence of Schemes: The campaign promotes the convergence of various government schemes and programs related to water conservation and management. It encourages the synchronization of efforts from different ministries and departments to achieve maximum impact.

  9. Capacity Building: The Jal Shakti Abhiyan emphasizes capacity building of local communities, government officials, and stakeholders. It aims to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective water conservation and management.

  10. Sustainable Water Use: The campaign advocates for sustainable water use practices, promoting the efficient use of water in agriculture, industries, and domestic consumption. It encourages the adoption of techniques like drip irrigation and efficient water appliances for water conservation.

Overall, the Jal Shakti Abhiyan focuses on the holistic development and sustainable management of water resources in India, ensuring water security for present and future generations.

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Salient Features of Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA)

The Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA), launched by the Government of India, is a comprehensive campaign focusing on water conservation and water security. Its salient features include:

1. Focused Approach:

  • JSA works on a phased approach, with specific timeframes and targets for each phase. This ensures focused attention and a structured implementation strategy.
  • The campaign targets specific districts facing water scarcity, ensuring resources are directed to the most affected areas.

2. Multi-pronged Strategy:

  • JSA emphasizes a holistic approach by integrating various water conservation measures. This includes:
  • Water harvesting: Promoting rainwater harvesting structures like ponds, check dams, and rooftop rainwater harvesting.
  • Rejuvenation of water bodies: Cleaning and restoring traditional water bodies like ponds, lakes, and rivers.
  • Efficient irrigation: Promoting efficient irrigation techniques like micro-irrigation and drip irrigation.
  • Water conservation at household level: Encouraging water-saving practices within homes and communities.
  • Awareness campaigns: Conducting mass awareness programs to educate people about water conservation and its importance.

3. Community Participation:

  • JSA strongly emphasizes community participation, encouraging local communities to actively participate in water conservation efforts. This ensures ownership and sustainability of the initiatives.
  • The campaign involves grassroots level mobilization, leveraging the expertise and knowledge of local communities.

4. Government Support and Coordination:

  • JSA receives strong government support at both the central and state levels. This includes providing financial assistance, technical expertise, and policy guidance.
  • The campaign facilitates inter-departmental coordination among various government agencies, ensuring effective implementation.

5. Technological Integration:

  • JSA leverages technology for efficient water management. This includes:
  • Utilizing remote sensing and GIS for mapping water resources.
  • Employing real-time monitoring systems for water levels and quality.
  • Implementing data-driven decision-making for water resource planning.

6. Sustainability Focus:

  • JSA aims to create sustainable water conservation practices that will benefit generations to come.
  • The campaign promotes long-term solutions, addressing the root causes of water scarcity and ensuring water security for the future.

Overall, the Jal Shakti Abhiyan is a multifaceted initiative that combines community participation, technological advancements, and government support to address the pressing issue of water scarcity in India. By focusing on a comprehensive approach, the campaign strives to ensure sustainable water management and secure water for all.

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The Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) is a time-bound, mission-mode water conservation and water security initiative launched by the Government of India in 2019. The salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan are:

  1. Water Conservation: The primary objective is to conserve water, reduce water wastage, and promote water use efficiency.
  2. Water Security: The initiative aims to ensure water security for all, including rural and urban areas, by providing functional household tap connections and improving water supply infrastructure.
  3. Focus on 1592 Water-Stressed Blocks: The JSA focuses on 1592 water-stressed blocks in 256 districts across the country, which cover about 24% of India's total geographical area.
  4. Intensive Water Harvesting: The program promotes intensive water harvesting and conservation efforts, including the construction of new water harvesting structures and renovation of existing ones.
  5. Renovation of Traditional Water Bodies: The initiative involves the renovation of traditional water bodies, such as ponds, lakes, and tanks, to increase water storage capacity.
  6. Water Use Efficiency: JSA promotes water use efficiency in agriculture, industry, and urban areas through the adoption of efficient irrigation systems and water-saving technologies.
  7. Community Participation: The program encourages community participation and ownership in water conservation and management through the formation of Jal Shakti Kendras (Water Conservation Centers) at the village level.
  8. Involvement of Multiple Ministries: The JSA is a multi-ministerial initiative, involving the Ministries of Jal Shakti, Agriculture, Rural Development, and Urban Development, among others.
  9. Funding Pattern: The program is funded through a combination of budgetary allocation and convergence with existing schemes and programs of various ministries.
  10. Monitoring and Evaluation: A robust monitoring and evaluation framework is in place to track the progress of the initiative, with regular review meetings and assessment of outcomes.
  11. Technology Integration: The JSA encourages the use of technology, such as remote sensing, IoT, and AI, to monitor water resources, predict water scarcity, and optimize water use.
  12. Capacity Building: The program includes capacity building and training activities for stakeholders, including officials, engineers, and community members, to enhance their skills in water conservation and management.

By addressing the water security challenges in India, the Jal Shakti Abhiyan aims to improve the lives of millions of people, enhance economic growth, and protect the environment.