Water Management And Conservation

Key Highlights:

• Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY) pilot phase was implemented from 2020 to 2025 in 8,203 water-stressed Gram Panchayats across 7 states.
• A nationwide water body census identified and geo-tagged over 24.2 lakh water bodies.
• Under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) initiative, more than 1.55 crore water conservation structures have been constructed.
• The Central Government facilitates State efforts in water management through technical and financial assistance, utilizing advanced digital tools.
• The National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM) has mapped the entire mappable area of 25 lakh sq. kms of the country.
• Real-time groundwater level monitoring is conducted through 5,260 Digital Water Level Recorders (DWLRs) installed under the National Hydrology Project (NHP).

Detailed Insights:

• Atal Bhujal Yojana aims to improve groundwater management through community-led actions and convergence of various Central and State schemes.
• The scheme incentivizes States to implement groundwater conservation measures at the grassroots level by strengthening institutional and governance frameworks.
• The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) implements NAQUIM, utilizing Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for aquifer mapping and recharge zone identification.
• NAQUIM 2.0 harnesses state-of-the-art technologies to generate highly detailed scientific data for informed decisions in sustainable groundwater management.
• India-Groundwater Resource Estimation System (IN-GRES) is a web-based application providing a standardized platform for groundwater resource assessment across the country.
• The JSA: CTR dashboard monitors the "Catch the Rain" campaign under Jal Shakti Abhiyan, tracking over 2.0 crore water conservation and artificial recharge works.
• The Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) initiative, launched in 2024, aims to make rainwater harvesting a mass movement, with its dashboard monitoring recharge structures.
• The 'Flood Watch India’ app uses satellite data and real-time monitoring for accurate flood forecasts and tracks 150 major reservoirs.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) employs GIS-based applications, geo-tagging, and digital tools for monitoring irrigation infrastructure and water conservation.
• Under PMKSY–Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP), geo-tagging and GIS mapping are used for identifying and tracking Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI) and Repair, Renovation & Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies schemes.
• The Water Information Management System (WIMS), established under NHP, provides a centralized platform for hydrological data, aiding evidence-based decision-making.
• Water is a State subject, with the Central Government facilitating State efforts through technical and financial assistance.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY): A Central Sector Scheme for community-led sustainable groundwater management in water-stressed areas.
• National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM): A program by CGWB to map aquifers and develop management plans using advanced technologies.
• National Hydrology Project (NHP): A World Bank-supported project to improve water resources management through data collection and information systems.
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): A national campaign for water conservation and water security, including the "Catch the Rain" initiative.