Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative

Syllabus: GS3/Environmental Conservation, Water Conservation

Context

• The Prime Minister has launched the ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ initiative to enhance rainwater harvesting and ensure long-term water sustainability.

About

• Under this program, approximately 24,800 rainwater harvesting structures are being constructed across the state to enhance rainwater harvesting and ensure long-term water sustainability.
  • The ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ initiative seeks to conserve water with a strong emphasis on community partnership and ownership. 
  • It is driven by a whole-of-society and a whole-of-government approach. 

Rain Water Harvesting

• Rain water harvesting is the collection and storage of rain water that runs off from roof tops, parks, roads, open grounds, etc. 
• This water run off can be either stored or recharged into the ground water. 
• A rainwater harvesting systems consists of the following components:
  • catchment from where water is captured and stored or recharged,
  • conveyance system that carries the water harvested from the catchment to the storage/recharge zone,
  • first flush that is used to flush out the first spell of rain,
  • filter used to remove pollutants,
  • storage tanks and/or various recharge structures.

Significance

• Water Conservation: Collecting rainwater reduces the demand on local water supplies, which can help conserve freshwater resources.
• Reduced Stormwater Runoff: Harvesting rainwater helps reduce the volume of runoff, which can decrease soil erosion and reduce the risk of flooding.
  • This also helps minimize the impact on local waterways and ecosystems.
• Groundwater Recharge: Some systems are designed to allow harvested rainwater to seep back into the ground, helping to recharge groundwater supplies and maintain the water table.
• Reduced Infrastructure Strain: By decreasing the demand on municipal water systems, rainwater harvesting can help reduce the burden on existing water infrastructure, potentially delaying the need for costly upgrades and expansions.
• Emergency Supply: During droughts or natural disasters, having a reserve of rainwater can be crucial for maintaining water supply for essential needs.
• Sustainability: As climate change impacts water availability, rainwater harvesting becomes increasingly relevant as a sustainable practice to buffer against variability in rainfall and water supply.

Government Initiatives to Tackle Shortage of Water in India

• National Water Mission (NWM): NWM aims to conserve water, minimize wastage, and ensure equitable distribution of water across various sectors.
  • It focuses on promoting water use efficiency, groundwater recharge, and sustainable development of water resources.
• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Launched in 2019, the Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide piped water supply to all rural households by 2024.
  • The mission focuses on decentralized water management, community participation, and leveraging technology to ensure safe and sustainable water supply in rural areas.
• Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY): Launched in 2019, the Atal Bhujal Yojana aims to improve groundwater management and promote sustainable groundwater use in identified water-stressed areas across India.
  • It focuses on community participation, demand-side management, and groundwater recharge measures.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): It was launched in 2015-16 to enhance physical access of water on farm and expand cultivable area under assured irrigation, improve on-farm water use efficiency, introduce sustainable water conservation practices, etc.
• The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): It was launched in 2015 in selected 500 cities and focuses on the development of basic urban infrastructure in the Mission cities in the sectors of water supply, sewerage & septage management, storm water drainage, green spaces & parks and non-motorized urban transport.
• Namami Gange Programme: Launched in 2014, it aims to rejuvenate the River Ganga and its tributaries by addressing pollution, promoting sustainable wastewater management, and restoring the ecological health of the river basin.
• Interlinking of Rivers (ILR): The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has been entrusted with the work of inter-linking of rivers under the National Perspective Plan (NPP).
  • NPP has two components, viz., Himalayan Rivers Development Component and Peninsular Rivers Development Component. 
  • 30 link projects have been identified under NPP. 

Suggestions for Water Conservation

• Implementing efficient water management practices, such as rainwater harvesting and watershed management, can help replenish water sources. 
• Investing in water treatment systems and improving irrigation techniques can reduce wastage and pollution. 
• Raising awareness about water conservation among the public and encouraging responsible water use is vital. 
• Additionally, policies that promote sustainable water allocation and management are essential for long-term solutions.
• By using modern technologies, such as IoT, AI, and remote sensing, water consumption can be measured and managed more effectively. 

Source: PIB