Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Water scarcity is a pressing issue in India, impacting agriculture, livelihoods, and overall socio-economic development. Recognizing this, the Government of India launched the Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) in 2019, with the aim of improving water availability and water use efficiency across the country, particularly in water-stressed blocks. This nationwide campaign aimed to augment water conservation efforts through convergence of existing schemes and focused interventions, thereby enhancing water security for the future. The JSA is a collaborative effort between the central and state governments.
Key Features of Jal Shakti Abhiyan
The Jal Shakti Abhiyan is a time-bound, mission-mode water conservation effort. It focuses on five aspects: water conservation, rainwater harvesting, renovation of traditional water bodies, reuse of water & recharging of groundwater, and awareness campaigns. The Abhiyan is broadly divided into three phases:
Phase 1: Block Level Planning (April - May)
- Focus Areas: The first phase concentrated on 1592 blocks (256 districts) identified as water-stressed based on groundwater depletion. These blocks were categorized based on groundwater levels – over-exploited, critical, and semi-critical.
- District Action Plans: District level officials were tasked with developing comprehensive District Action Plans (DAPs) outlining specific interventions for water conservation.
- Team Visits: Teams of officers from the central government visited these blocks to understand local water challenges and support the development of DAPs.
Phase 2: Convergence of Schemes (June - September)
This phase involved the convergence of different government schemes and programs to maximize the impact of water conservation efforts. Key schemes integrated included:
| Scheme | Ministry | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) | Ministry of Rural Development | Water harvesting structures, renovation of ponds |
| Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) | Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare | Micro-irrigation, water-efficient farming |
| National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) | Ministry of Jal Shakti | River rejuvenation, wastewater treatment |
| Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) | Ministry of Rural Development | Skill development in water management |
The convergence aimed to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure efficient utilization of resources.
Phase 3: Awareness Campaigns
- Jan Andolan: The third phase focused on creating a ‘Jan Andolan’ (people’s movement) for water conservation through widespread awareness campaigns.
- Information, Education & Communication (IEC): IEC materials were disseminated through various channels, including social media, radio, and community meetings.
- Community Participation: Emphasis was placed on involving local communities, NGOs, and civil society organizations in water conservation efforts.
Jal Shakti Abhiyan continued in subsequent years with modifications and expansions, including Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain (2021-2022) which focused on rainwater harvesting.
Conclusion
The Jal Shakti Abhiyan represents a significant step towards addressing India’s water challenges. By focusing on block-level planning, scheme convergence, and public awareness, the Abhiyan aims to enhance water security and promote sustainable water management practices. While challenges remain in terms of implementation and long-term sustainability, the Abhiyan provides a valuable framework for collaborative action and community participation in safeguarding this vital resource. Continued monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation are crucial for maximizing its impact and achieving lasting results.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.