Jal Shakti Abhiyan to ramp up Rainwater Harvesting 29/06/2019 – Posted in: Daily News

JAL SHAKTI ABHIYAN TO RAMP UP RAINWATER HARVESTING

 

For: Preliminary & Mains

Topics covered: About Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Campaign’s aim, the Water situation in India

 

News Flash

The Centre is set to initiate the Jal Shakti Abhiyan to ramp up rainwater harvesting and conservation efforts in 255 water-stressed districts from July 1.

Though water is a state issue, hence, the campaign would be coordinated by 225 central IAS officers.

 

Background

The campaign seems to follow the model of last year’s Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, where central officials monitored the implementation of seven flagship development schemes in 117 aspirational districts across the country.

 

Two-phase

  • July 1 to September 15

The campaign would run from July 1 to September 15 in States receiving rainfall during the south-west monsoon.

  • October 1 to November 30

States receiving rainfall in the retreating or north-east monsoon would be covered from October 1 to November 30.

Aim

The Jal Shakti Abhiyan aims to accelerate water harvesting, conservation, and borewell recharge activities.

Progress report

The Progress of the project would be monitored in real time through mobile applications and an online dashboard at indiawater.gov.in.

 

How to promote the campaign?

  • Block and district-level water conservation plans would be drafted.
  • Kisan Vigyan Kendras would hold melas to promote better crop choices and more efficient water use for irrigation.
  • A major communications campaign on TV, radio, print, local and social media would be carried out, with celebrities mobilised to generate awareness for the campaign.

 

The water crisis in India

  • India is facing one of its major and most serious water crisis.
  • After two consecutive years of weak monsoons, a quarter of the country’s population — are affected by a severe drought.
  • With nearly 50 percent of India grappling with drought-like conditions.
  • According to the Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) report released by the Niti Aayog in 2018, 21 major cities (Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and others) are racing to reach zero groundwater levels by 2020, affecting access for 100 million people.

 

Source: The Hindu

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