Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (GS Paper 2, Government Policies)
Context and Launch
- Recently, Indian Prime Minister launched the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative, aimed at enhancing rainwater harvesting and ensuring long-term water sustainability.
- This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in collaboration with the Gujarat State Government, builds upon the successes of previous water conservation efforts and reflects a growing emphasis on community involvement in water management.
About Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari
Objective and Approach
- The primary goal of the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative is to conserve water through a collaborative approach that emphasizes community engagement and ownership.
- This initiative employs a "whole-of-society" and "whole-of-government" approach, involving not just government bodies but also citizens, local organizations, industries, and other stakeholders in a concerted effort to secure water resources.
Key Features
- Community Involvement: The initiative focuses on mobilizing various societal sectors to contribute to water conservation.
- Infrastructure Development: Approximately 24,800 rainwater harvesting structures are planned to be constructed across Gujarat to enhance rainwater collection and ensure sustainable water use.
- Alignment with Existing Campaigns: The initiative complements the ongoing Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain campaign, which also promotes water conservation and management.
Jal Shakti Abhiyan
Background and Evolution
- Launched in 2019, the Jal Shakti Abhiyan aims to bolster water conservation and management efforts across India.
- In 2021, the campaign evolved to focus on the theme “Catch the Rain - Where it Falls, When it Falls,” highlighting the importance of immediate and localized rainwater harvesting.
Key Actions of the Campaign
- Rainwater Harvesting and Water Conservation: Establishing systems for collecting and storing rainwater.
- Creating Inventories of Water Bodies: Developing comprehensive plans for the scientific conservation of water bodies.
- Setting Up Jal Shakti Kendras: Establishing centers to promote water conservation practices.
- Intensive Afforestation: Planting trees to improve water retention and prevent soil erosion.
- Raising Awareness: Educating the public on the importance of water conservation.
Community Participation in Water Conservation
Different states in India have implemented various community-driven water conservation programs:
- Andhra Pradesh (Neeru-Chettu): Focuses on collective participation to make the state resilient to drought by improving water conservation practices.
- Bihar (Jal Jeevan Hariyali): Encourages farmers to adopt new water-saving technologies and practices, reducing irrigation needs.
- Gujarat (Sujalam Sufalam Jal Sanchay Abhiyan): Uses a Public-Private Partnership model to deepen water bodies and improve storage capacity.
- Telangana (Mission Kakatiya): Aims to expand minor irrigation through community involvement to ensure sustainable water security.
- Odisha (Pani Panchayat): Focuses on optimizing water use to boost agricultural productivity.
Rainwater Harvesting
Concept and Benefits
- Rainwater harvesting involves collecting and storing rainwater for various uses, including irrigation, flushing toilets, and even purification for drinking.
- This practice reduces dependency on municipal water systems and helps address water scarcity issues.
Types of Rainwater Harvesting
- Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting: This method involves collecting rainwater directly from rooftops. The harvested water is either stored in tanks or used to recharge groundwater supplies.
- Surface Rainwater Harvesting: Captures runoff from urban surfaces, directing it to recharge aquifers and enhance groundwater levels.
Conclusion
- The Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing water sustainability in India through community participation and strategic infrastructure development.
- By integrating efforts with ongoing campaigns like the Jal Shakti Abhiyan and leveraging successful local programs, India aims to build a robust framework for water conservation that involves every sector of society.
