Progress of Jal Kranti Abhiyan reviewed

The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation initiated Jal Kranti Abhiyan during 2015-16 for creating awareness on aspects of water security and water conservation. The Abhiyan was inaugurated by Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation in Rajasthan in June 2015. Under Jal Kranti Abhiyan two villages, preferably facing acute water scarcity are being selected as “Jal Grams”. An integrated water security plan, water conservation, water management and allied activities are being planned for these villages by Panchayat level committee to ensure optimum and sustainable utilization of water. Totally 1348 villages have to be identified in 674 districts, out of which 1001 have been selected as Jal Grams in the country. Senior officials from CWC and CGWB who are nodal agencies for implementation have been directed to take up issue with State Governments whenever Jal Gram selection has been slow.

From each Jal Grams, one elected representative of Panchayat and one representative of the water users association are being identified as Jal Mitra/ Neer Nari and training is being imparted to them to create mass awareness about issue pertaining to water as well as providing necessary guidance in tackling water supply related routine issues. A card known as Sujalam Card (with the logo “Water Saved, Water Produced) is being prepared for every Jal gram which would provide the yearly status/information on availability of water for the village from all sources. A committee has been formed at village level and block level for implementation and monitoring of works under Jal gram, Block level, District level and State level committees have also been set up in the states to monitor the progress of Jal Gram.

A High Level review held today at the Ministry and decided to recommend for continuation of this Abhiyan for next two years also.