The Jal Shakti Abhiyan, launched by the Government of India, stands as a crucial initiative aimed at addressing the escalating challenges of water conservation and ensuring water security across the nation. This comprehensive program incorporates a myriad of salient features designed to promote sustainable water management practices and augment the availability of water resources. Among its key components are the rejuvenation of traditional water bodies, efficient water use in agriculture through the adoption of modern technologies, promotion of watershed development, and the implementation of water conservation measures at both community and individual levels. With a focus on community participation and decentralized water governance, the Jal Shakti Abhiyan strives to create a robust framework for water sustainability, thereby safeguarding this invaluable resource for future generations.
UPSC Mains General Studies Paper – 3 Mains 2020
Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.
UPSC Mains Civil Services IAS Exam Question Paper – 2020
Decoding the Question
- In the Introduction, define water conservation and water security.
- In Body,
- Discuss salient features of Jal Shakti Abhiyaan.
- Try to conclude with the significance of water conservation and water security.
Answer
Introduction
Water conservation refers to the preservation, control, and development of water resources, both surface and groundwater, and the prevention of pollution. Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) is a time-bound and mission-mode water conservation campaign, launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in 2019. It is a campaign for water conservation and water security in India’s most water-stressed districts through a collaborative effort of various ministries of the Government of India and state governments.
Salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyaan:
- Mission-mode water conservation campaign: Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) is a time-bound, mission-mode water conservation campaign. The JSA will run in two Phases: Phase 1 from 1st July to 15th September 2019 for all States and Union Territories; and Phase 2 from 1st October to 30th November 2019 for States and UTs receiving the retreating monsoon (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu).
- Time-Bound Campaign: A time-bound campaign with a mission mode approach intending to improve water availability including groundwater conditions in the water-stressed blocks of 256 districts.
- Five Targets: water conservation & rainwater harvesting, renovation of traditional and other water bodies/tanks, reuse and recharge of bore wells, watershed development, and intensive afforestation.
- Efficient water use: The conservation efforts will be supplemented by initiatives like developing block and district water conservation plans and ‘Krishi Vigyan Kendra melas’ to promote efficient water use for irrigation and better crop choices.
- Jan Andolan: Through Jal Shakti Abhiyan, the government plans to run water conservation, similar to the cleanliness drive i.e. the Swachch Bharat Abhiyaan. Thus, it aims at making water conservation a Jan Andolan through asset creation and extensive communication.
- Community Participation: running through community participation and involving citizen participation during the monsoon season.
- Special Intervention Areas: 5 Special Intervention Areas: Block and District Water Conservation Plan, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Mela, Urban Waste Water Reuse, Scientists and IITs, and 3D Village Contour Mapping.
Conclusion
Jal Shakti Abhiyaan was launched by taking into account various new challenges of water conservation and water security. Water conservation and its security are of utmost importance to achieve targets under sustainable development goals and improve the accessibility of tap water to every citizen. Jal Shakti Abhiyan signifies that the rising water emergency is making India listen to alarm bells and consequently a strong political commitment is coming into place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Jal Shakti Abhiyan, and why was it launched?
A: Jal Shakti Abhiyan is a water conservation and water security campaign initiated by the Government of India. Launched in 2019, its primary objective is to address the critical issues of water scarcity and promote efficient water management across the country. The campaign aims to create awareness, encourage community participation, and implement water-saving practices to ensure sustainable water resources for future generations.
Q: What are the key components of Jal Shakti Abhiyan?
A: The campaign encompasses various components to achieve its goals:
- Water Conservation: Encourages rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and efficient water use in agriculture, industries, and households.
- Renovation of Traditional Water Bodies: Focuses on restoring and rejuvenating traditional water storage structures like ponds, tanks, and stepwells to enhance water availability.
- Watershed Development: Emphasizes the holistic management of watersheds to conserve soil moisture, reduce runoff, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
- Promotion of Efficient Water Use: Advocates the adoption of water-efficient technologies and practices in agriculture, industries, and urban areas.
Q: How does Jal Shakti Abhiyan promote community involvement?
A: The campaign recognizes the importance of community participation in achieving its objectives. It encourages local communities to actively engage in water conservation efforts. This involvement includes organizing awareness campaigns, implementing water-saving practices at the grassroots level, and fostering a sense of responsibility among citizens to manage water resources sustainably.
Q: What measures are taken to ensure the success of Jal Shakti Abhiyan?
A: To ensure the success of the campaign, the government has taken several measures:
- Technological Intervention: Utilizing modern technology for water management, such as Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and satellite imagery, to identify water-stressed areas and plan interventions effectively.
- Capacity Building: Conducting training programs to build the capacity of local communities, government officials, and stakeholders in water management and conservation techniques.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Implementing a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress, identify challenges, and make necessary adjustments to the strategies.
Q: What are the expected outcomes of Jal Shakti Abhiyan in terms of water conservation and security?
A: The campaign aims to achieve several outcomes:
- Increased Water Availability: By promoting efficient water use and conservation practices, the campaign strives to enhance water availability in both rural and urban areas.
- Improved Groundwater Levels: Through measures like rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, the campaign seeks to replenish and sustain groundwater levels.
- Enhanced Agricultural Productivity: By implementing water-efficient practices in agriculture, the campaign aims to improve crop yields and ensure food security.
- Sustainable Water Management: The overall goal is to foster a culture of sustainable water management, where communities actively participate in preserving and utilizing water resources judiciously.
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