On September 6, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative in Surat, Gujarat. This large-scale rainwater conservation project aims to build 24,800 rainwater harvesting facilities across the state, spearheaded by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Government of Gujarat. The initiative focuses on sustainable water management and increasing the state’s water availability.
Key Highlights of Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari:
- 24,800 Rainwater Harvesting Facilities: The initiative will establish thousands of harvesting systems to store and utilize rainwater efficiently.
- Whole-of-Society and Government Approach: It emphasizes public participation along with government efforts, encouraging community involvement in water conservation.
- Water Resource Statistics: India holds 18% of the global population but only 4% of water resources, making this initiative crucial for addressing water scarcity.
- Addressing Groundwater Depletion: With groundwater levels critically low in 256 districts nationwide, this initiative aims to replenish groundwater levels.
- Reducing Waterborne Diseases: 21% of infectious diseases in India are caused by contaminated water, and this initiative aims to mitigate that issue by improving water quality.
The Process of Rainwater Harvesting:
Rainwater harvesting involves collecting water from rooftops, fields, and other surfaces and either storing it for purification or using it to recharge groundwater. Key components include:
- Collection surfaces
- Pipes and cisterns to transport water
- A flush system to discard the initial contaminants in the rainwater
- A storage tank
- Filtration systems to purify the water
Other Government Water Conservation Initiatives:
- National Water Mission: Focuses on water conservation, reducing wastage, and promoting sustainable use of water resources.
- Jal Jeevan Mission (Har Ghar Jal): Launched in 2019, it aims to provide safe drinking water to every household in India.
- Atal Bhujal Yojana: A groundwater management initiative launched to improve groundwater levels in seven states, including Gujarat, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Mission Amrit Sarovar: Aims to construct or rejuvenate 75 water bodies in each district of the country.
- AMRUT 2.0: Focuses on water conservation, urban transformation, and ensuring minimal wastage of water resources.
These initiatives reflect India’s commitment to addressing water scarcity, groundwater depletion, and promoting sustainable water usage.
