Must read: Steps for augmentation, conservation and efficient management of water resources in India
Though water is a State subject, Central Government has taken a number of important measures for conservation, management of ground water including effective implementation of rain water harvesting in the country. Some of the important initiatives are listed as under.
Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA)
Government of India is implementing Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) in the country in order to effectively tap the financial resources available through various schemes like MGNREGA, PMKSY-WDC, relevant State schemes etc and to monitor the progress with respect to water harvesting/recharge, intensive afforestation, awareness generation etc.
First JSA was launched in 2019 in water stressed blocks of 256 districts which continued during the year 2021 (across entire country both rural and urban areas).
Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal)
Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal), a Rs. 6000 crore Central Sector Scheme, is being implemented by the Ministry for sustainable management of ground water resources which include activities like preparation of water security plan at Gram Panchayat level in participatory mode by involving communities to use available groundwater and surface water in an efficient manner.
The scheme is being taken up in select areas that include 80 districts, 229 administrative blocks and 8220 water stressed Gram Panchayats of seven States, viz. Haryana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
Amrit Sarovar Mission
Amrit Sarovar Mission was launched on 24th April 2022. The Mission is aimed at developing and rejuvenating 75 water bodies in each district of the country as a part of celebration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA)
Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) has been constituted under Section 3(3) of the “Environment (Protection) Act, 1986” for the purpose of regulation and control of ground water development and management in the country. CGWA has advised States/UTs to take measures to promote/adopt artificial recharge to ground water / rain water harvesting.
National Aquifer Mapping Program (NAQUIM)
CGWB is implementing National Aquifer Mapping Program (NAQUIM) in the country, for sustainable management of aquifer system.
Measures by States
In addition a number of States have done notable work in the field of water conservation/harvesting such as ‘Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan’ in Rajasthan, ‘JalyuktShibar’ in Maharashtra, ‘SujalamSufalam Abhiyan’ in Gujarat, ‘Mission Kakatiya’ in Telangana, NeeruChettu’ in Andhra Pradesh, Jal Jeevan Hariyali in Bihar, ‘Jal Hi Jeevan’ in Haryana, and Kudimaramath scheme in Tamil Nadu.
External link: https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/2016-039.pdf
