'Jal Shakti Abhiyan' launched for Water Conservation

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched 'Jal Shakti Abhiyan'- a campaign for water conservation and water security in 1592 stressed blocks in 256 districts.

About Jal Shakti Abhiyan:

• It is a collaborative effort of various Union Ministries and State Governments, being coordinated by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS).
• Its focus areas are water stressed districts (256) and blocks (1592).
• Central Government officers, led by Joint Secretaries and Additional Secretaries, are assigned to these 256 districts and District Administration will also nominate 2 members to join the team.
• This team of officers from the Central Government and District Administration will visit and work on water-stressed districts and blocks to ensure water conservation interventions.
• The Campaign is centred on 5 aspects:

1. Water conservation and rainwater harvesting
2. Renovation of traditional and other water bodies/tanks
3. Reuse of water and recharging of structures such as bore wells
4. Watershed development
5. Intensive Afforestation

• Water conservation efforts will also be supplemented with special interventions such as:
• Development of Block and District Water Conservation Plans
• Promotion of efficient water use for irrigation
• Better choice of crops through Krishi Vigyan Kendras
• The Campaign will run through citizen participation during:
• Monsoon season- from 1st July to 15th September 2019.
• Additional Phase 2- from 1st October to 30th November 2019 for States receiving North East retreating monsoons.

Large-scale Communications Campaign:

• Large-scale Communications Campaign has also been planned side by side with JSA, which will involve mass mobilisation of different groups such as Swachhagrahis, school students, college students, youth groups (NSS/NYKS/NCC), Self Help Groups (SHG), Panchayati Raj Institution members, defence personnel, ex-servicemen and pensioners, among others.

Significance of this Campaign:

• With this initiative, the Government aims to provide drinking water to every household on priority and in a sustainable manner.
• It is also expected to bring positive change in people for water conservation.
• The Campaign will help people to work for rainwater harvesting, maintenance and upkeep of ponds and village tanks and conservation of water.

Question:

Q. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched which campaign for water conservation and water security in 1592 stressed blocks in 256 districts?
a. Jal Jeevan Abhiyan
b. Jal Shakti Abhiyan
c. Jal Adhikaar Abhiyan
d. Jal Paryavaran Abhiyan