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

 

Other News of the Day

Syllabus: GS3/International Relations Context The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry stated that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) can add to India’s maritime security and faster movement of goods between Europe and Asia.  India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) Participants: During the Delhi G20 Summit, India, USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy and the...
Read More

Syllabus: GS 3/S&T  In News The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack. Blockchain Technology  Blockchain is a shared, immutable ledger that records transactions and tracks assets across a business network. It stores information electronically in a digital format to ensure transaction security. It is known as Distributed Ledger Technology...
Read More

Syllabus: GS3/Economy Context As per the Union Minister for Textiles, Annual export of technical textiles will cross $10 billion by 2030. What are Technical Textiles? Technical textiles are defined as textile materials and products used primarily for their technical performance and functional properties rather than their aesthetic or decorative characteristics.  They are manufactured using natural...
Read More

Syllabus: GS3/ Environment Context According to a new study published in the journal Nature, India has secured the top spot as biggest plastic polluter in the world, releasing 9.3 million tonnes (Mt) annually.  Key highlights of the study The study defines plastic emissions as materials that have moved from the managed or mismanaged system (controlled or...
Read More

Delaying of La Nina  Syllabus: GS1/Climatology Context All leading global agencies were significantly off the mark in their La Niña predictions this year. About It can result in ‘above’ normal rainfall in the Northeast monsoon season (October – December).  Also known as the winter monsoon, this is limited to Tamil Nadu, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema,...
Read More