Empowering Women, Harnessing Rain Jal Shakti Abhiyan 2024 Sets a Sustainable Course for Water Management
Nationwide Jal Shakti Abhiyan 2024 Ignites Empowering Women in Water Conservation
The Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, is set to inaugurate the nationwide ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain-2024’ campaign on 9th March, 2024, in New Delhi. This year's theme, ‘Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti,’ underscores the pivotal role of women in water conservation and sustainable water resource management. The launch will feature the unveiling of two pivotal publications, “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: 2019 to 2023” and “101 Water Champions of Jal Jeevan Mission,” alongside a documentary “Jal Shakti Abhiyan 2019 to 2023 – A public led movement marching towards Water Security” and experiences from Women Water Warriors.
Scheduled from 9th March to 30th November 2024, the campaign spans the crucial pre-monsoon and monsoon periods, covering both urban and rural districts nationwide. It will focus on water conservation, rainwater harvesting, comprehensive cataloging of water bodies, establishment of Jal Shakti Kendras in all districts, intensive afforestation, and broad public awareness initiatives.
This edition introduces novel focuses, including the revitalization of defunct borewells for groundwater recharge, meticulous geo-tagging and record-keeping of water bodies, enhanced afforestation in catchment areas, innovative snow harvesting in regions like Ladakh, and nationwide small river rejuvenation.
Rooted in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a 'Jan Andolan' for water conservation, the Jal Shakti Abhiyan was launched in 2019 under the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, part of the National Water Mission. Since its inception, approximately 1.29 crore water conservation projects have been initiated. Additionally, 661 Jal Shakti Kendras have been established, and 527 districts have formulated their Water Conservation Plans.
The previous year's theme focused on ensuring source sustainability for drinking water, particularly for rural households under the Jal Jeevan Mission, which has significantly increased tap connections to over 19.2 crore rural homes. Commitments made during the Chief Secretaries' Conference in December 2023 include extensive geo-tagging of water sources, the creation of at least one recharge structure per groundwater source by March 2026, and efforts towards the rejuvenation of spring sources.
Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain – 2024 symbolizes the government's dedication to water conservation and sustainable development, with a special emphasis on empowering women in these efforts. By blending various strategies and focusing on critical areas, this initiative aims to foster a significant shift in our approach to water usage and conservation, driving towards a future where communities and the environment thrive in harmony.