Q8. What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security?

Model Answer:

Introduction

The Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) is a pioneering water conservation campaign launched by the Government of India in 2019. The Jal Shakti Abhiyan represents a paradigm shift in India's approach to water management, moving from a supply-side intervention to a demand-side, community-driven movement for water conservation and security. 

Body

Salient Features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan

1. Targeted Approach: The campaign initially focused on 256 water-stressed districts across India where groundwater levels were critically low or over-exploited.
2. Time-Bound Implementation: JSA was implemented in two phases aligned with the monsoon seasons - from July to September during the monsoon, and October to November during the retreating monsoon.
3. Five Key Intervention Areas: a) Water conservation and rainwater harvesting b) Renovation of traditional and other water bodies/tanks c) Reuse of water and recharging of structures d) Watershed development e) Intensive afforestation
4. Community Participation: JSA emphasised the involvement of local communities, including students, government employees, and citizens, fostering a sense of collective responsibility.
5. Urban Water Conservation: In urban areas, the campaign focused on recycling and reuse of water, along with the creation of urban water bodies for groundwater recharge.
6. Special Interventions: It included initiatives like creating rooftop rainwater harvesting structures in government schools and buildings.
7. Public Awareness: A significant component was dedicated to raising awareness about water conservation through various media channels and community engagement programs.
8. Monitoring and Evaluation: The JSA incorporated provisions for regular monitoring and real-time progress tracking through mobile applications and online dashboards.

Challenges in Implementation:

1. Diverse Geographical Conditions: India's varied topography and climate present challenges in implementing uniform water conservation strategies across different regions. What works in one area may not be suitable for another.
2. Lack of Adequate Technical Expertise: Many local bodies and communities lack the technical knowledge required for effective implementation of water conservation techniques, particularly in rural areas.
3. Funding Constraints: Despite the convergence of various schemes, securing adequate funding for all planned interventions across the targeted districts remains a challenge.
4. Behavioural Change: Changing long-established water use habits and promoting conservation practices among the general population is a slow and challenging process.
5. Coordination Among Different Agencies: The multi-departmental nature of the campaign requires seamless coordination among various government agencies, which can be challenging due to bureaucratic hurdles.
6. Maintenance of Created Assets: Ensuring the long-term maintenance and sustainability of the water conservation structures created under the campaign is a significant challenge, especially in resource-constrained areas. 

Conclusion

Overcoming these hurdles will require sustained effort, adaptive strategies, and continued commitment from both the government and the public. If successfully implemented, the JSA has the potential to make a substantial impact on India's water conservation efforts and contribute significantly to the country's sustainable development goals. 

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