The Ministry of Jal Shakti is a pivotal governmental body in India dedicated to the management and conservation of water resources. Formed with the merger of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, and the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, it focuses on ensuring sustainable development and equitable distribution of water for various needs across the nation.
Jal Jeevan Mission
Jal Jeevan Mission is a significant initiative aimed at providing safe and sufficient drinking water to every rural household in India by the year 2024. Here are some key features of the mission:
- Objective:
- The primary goal of the mission is to ensure that every household in rural India has access to safe and reliable drinking water through individual household tap connections.
- Source Sustainability:
- In addition to providing tap connections, the mission emphasizes source sustainability. This includes measures such as recharge and reuse through greywater management, water conservation, and rainwater harvesting.
- Community Approach:
- The mission is designed to adopt a community-based approach to water management. This means involving local communities in the planning, implementation, and maintenance of water supply systems.
- Information, Education, and Communication (IEC):
- The mission recognizes the importance of creating awareness and educating communities about the importance of safe drinking water. Extensive IEC activities are integrated into the mission’s implementation strategy.
Overall, the Jal Jeevan Mission is a crucial step towards ensuring that rural households have access to clean and reliable drinking water, which is essential for improving the quality of life and overall well-being of rural communities.
Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources (GOBAR)-Dhan
GOBAR-Dhan is a government initiative launched under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin with the aim of effective management of biodegradable waste in rural areas. Here are some key points about the GOBAR-Dhan scheme:
- Launch Date:
- The GOBAR-Dhan scheme was launched by the Government of India in April 2018.
- Objective:
- The primary objective of the GOBAR-Dhan scheme is to address two crucial issues: village cleanliness and the generation of wealth and energy from cattle and organic waste.
- Focus Areas:
- The scheme focuses on three main areas:
- Keeping villages clean.
- Increasing the income of rural households.
- Generating energy and organic manure from cattle waste.
- The scheme focuses on three main areas:
- Implementation:
- The scheme involves the installation of biogas plants in rural areas to process cattle and organic waste. These plants facilitate the generation of biogas and organic manure.
- Total Number of Biogas Plants:
- As of the available information, there are a total of 583 biogas plants implemented under various schemes. The majority (507) have been installed under the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s GOBARDhan scheme, with additional plants set up under other initiatives.
Overall, GOBAR-Dhan is a comprehensive scheme that not only addresses waste management but also aims to bring about positive economic and energy-related outcomes in rural areas. It aligns with the larger goal of promoting cleanliness, sustainability, and rural development.
Swachh Survekshan Gramin 2022
Swachh Survekshan Gramin 2022 is an initiative aimed at ranking states and districts based on their performance in key quantitative and qualitative parameters of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase II. This initiative also emphasizes community engagement in the improvement of sanitation status in rural areas. Here are some key points about Swachh Survekshan Gramin 2022 and the related Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase-II:
- Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase-II:
- Objective: Phase II focuses on sustaining the achievements of Phase I and provides necessary facilities for Solid/Liquid & Plastic Waste Management (SLWM) in rural India.
- Implementation Period: Phase II is implemented from 2020-21 to 2024-25 in a mission mode.
- Funding Pattern: The fund sharing pattern between the Centre and States is 90:10 for the North-Eastern States, Himalayan States, and UT of J&K; 60:40 for other States; and 100% for other Union Territories.
- Implementing Ministries: The Swachh Bharat Mission is implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (M/o HUA) for urban areas and by the Ministry of Jal Shakti for rural areas.
- Swachhta Hi Sewa (SHS) 2022:
- SHS is an initiative that recognizes and rewards states and UTs based on the number of activities conducted and reported. These activities include shramdaan, cleaning of public places and institutional buildings, tree planting, resolution for the ‘single-use plastic’ ban, participation in awareness activities, and construction of waste collection and segregation sheds, among others.
- Start-up Grand Challenge:
- This challenge was launched to scout for technologies that could address solid and liquid waste management challenges in rural areas. It sought sustainable, affordable, scalable, and responsive solutions.
- Sujlam 1.0 & 2.0:
- Sujlam was a 100-day campaign aimed at managing grey-water through methods like soak pits, leach pits, and magic pits. The goal was to minimize the stagnation of wastewater and control its discharge into village ponds. States and UTs reported the number of household and community soak pits constructed during the campaigns on the national portal.
These initiatives and campaigns are part of a broader effort to improve sanitation and waste management practices in rural areas, aligning with the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
FAQs
Q1. What is the primary objective of the Ministry of Jal Shakti?
The primary objective is to ensure the sustainable management, conservation, and equitable distribution of water resources across India for various needs, including drinking water, agriculture, and industry.
Q2. What are the key departments under the Ministry of Jal Shakti?
The key departments include the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation; the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation; and the National Water Mission.
Q3. What initiatives does the ministry undertake for water conservation?
The ministry undertakes various initiatives such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, Atal Bhujal Yojana, and Namami Gange to promote water conservation, recharge groundwater, and rejuvenate rivers, including the iconic Ganga.
Q4. How does the ministry address the challenges of water scarcity and pollution?
The ministry addresses water scarcity and pollution challenges through a combination of policies, programs, and projects focusing on efficient water use, pollution control measures, and promoting community participation in water management.
Q5. How can citizens contribute to the efforts of the Ministry of Jal Shakti?
Citizens can contribute by adopting water-saving practices, participating in community-led water conservation initiatives, and adhering to regulations aimed at preventing water pollution. Additionally, they can engage with the ministry through feedback mechanisms and volunteering for water-related projects.
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