CS champions bold water conservation reforms amid growing water crisis
JAMMU, MARCH 19: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a meeting of Jal Shakti Department to review progress on water conservation initiatives under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting besides the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Jal Shakti Department was attended by Principal Secretary, APD; Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD; Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department; Commissioner Secretary, Forests; Secretary, RDD; Secretary, YS&S, MD, Jal Jeevan Mission besides other concerned officers of JSD. Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir/Jammu and Deputy Commissioners participated online.
The meeting focused on accelerating efforts to mitigate water scarcity and ensure sustainable water resource management through a multi-pronged strategy.
The Chief Secretary directed the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to lay special emphasis on framing district water conservation plans in convergence with schemes like MGNREGA, CAMPA, Capex and other relevant government programs. He also stressed the need for GIS mapping of these plans to ensure systematic execution of these plans for effective conservation of water.
Recognizing the growing water crisis, Dulloo urged the officials to geo-tag all water supply sources and implement measures to recharge five groundwater structures in every village. He called for saturation of government schools and Anganwadi centres with rainwater harvesting structures under the JSA-Catch the Rain initiative. He emphasised that all newly constructed buildings must incorporate rainwater harvesting mechanisms to promote sustainability.
To enhance public awareness and participation, the Chief Secretary instructed the officials to organize ‘Jal Shapath’ (Water Pledge) ceremonies in every Panchayat on March 22, commemorating World Water Day. He also directed the officers to launch a special cleanliness drive for water bodies from May 1-7, aligning with JSA objectives.
Dulloo further sought details on water conservation activities carried out over the past years besides a concept note outlining the goals for 2025 and a roadmap for their completion including financial planning through convergence mode. He further reviewed the progress on JSA-Catch the Rain 2024 and assessed district-wise implementation strategies being adopted by respective district administrations there.
Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra, gave detailed insights on the significant achievements under JSA-Catch the Rain in J&K, which included Water Conservation & Rainwater Harvesting under which 16,002 projects stands completed, with Kupwara (2,201), Rajouri (1,516) and Poonch (1,011) recording the highest numbers.
Kabra also apprised that about 6,622 water bodies were restored under Renovation of Water Bodies with major contributions from Shopian (530) and Pulwama (278). Similarly 9,369 groundwater recharge structures were developed across the districts improving water levels in the water bodies.
Additionally, under Watershed Development 54,446 projects were executed to prevent soil erosion and enhance water retention. Notably, in Kupwara (5,551), Rajouri (4,977) and Poonch (4,675) works were accomplished under this area of water conservation.
As far as afforestation efforts are concerned, 37,362 afforestation activities had been conducted to improve green cover, particularly in Rajouri (2,743) and Ramban (1,609).
Moreover, it was informed that the key focus areas for JSA-CTR 2024 and 2025 included water conservation and rainwater harvesting, Geo-tagging and inventory of all water bodies, desilting and cleaning of water bodies, rejuvenation of small rivers.
About JSA-CTR 2025, themed “Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari–Jan Jagrukta Ki Or”, the focus will be on community participation and CSR fund utilization for water conservation, district-level identification, assessment and updating of water conservation plans, expansion of Jal Shakti Kendras across J&K, massive afforestation drives and public awareness campaigns.
This years Abhiyan, especially provisions for collaboration with MoEFCC for spring mapping and protection of catchment areas across major river basins like Jhelum, Chenab, and Ravi, is crucially important for the UT.
