Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative | 10 Sep 2024

Recently, the Prime Minister launched the ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ initiative from Surat, Gujarat.

It focuses on water conservation and aims to construct approximately 24,800 rainwater harvesting structures in Gujarat.
It is a “Whole-of-Society and Whole-of-Government” approach, highlighting the importance of community involvement and governmental coordination in water management.
Water Stress in India: India has 18% of the world's population but only 4% of its water resources.
- 256 out of 700 districts have been reported as having "critical" or "over-exploited" groundwater levels.
- Rural women often walk over 2.5 kilometers to reach a water source.
- 163 Million Indians lack access to safe drinking water. 21% of communicable diseases are linked to unsafe water.
Other Water Conservation Initiatives:
- Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): JJM expanded piped water connections from 3 crore to over 15 crore households, benefiting over 75% of the country’s rural population.
- Amrit Sarovar Construction: More than 60,000 Amrit Sarovars (water bodies) have been constructed, contributing to enhanced water storage and management.
- Catch The Rain Campaign: It urges states and other stakeholders to create Rain Water Harvesting Structures (RWHS).