Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Shekhawat launches Centre's water conservation campaign

New Delhi, July 01: As India faces a deficit monsoon season and widespread water shortages, the Government launched Jal Shakti Abhiyan across the country to accelerate water harvesting and conservation measures.

The campaign, was launched by Jal Shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, has roped in 255 bureaucrats across different departments and ministries, nominating them for one water-stressed district each.

While briefing the media, Jal Shakti minister said,'' It is need of the hour that "Jal" be made a subject of "Jan Chetana".''

''In India, per capita water availability is decreasing continuously. The way the dangers of climate change are increasing, India is becoming one of the most vulnerable countries,'' he said.

The scheme is aimed at making water conservation and promotion of irrigation efficiency a mass movement through asset creation and communication campaigns.

Over 250 officers, including Additional and Joint Secretaries, have been appointed as in-charge of water-stressed districts in the country to plan ways to conserve the natural resource.

They have been appointed as Central Prabhari Officers of 255 water-stressed districts for coordinating the Jal Shakti Abhiyan.

These teams will visit identified blocks and districts, and coordinate the implementation of various water harvesting and conservation measures.

The programme will be implemented in two phases between July and September, during the monsoon season, during which government officials will visit their respective districts at least three times.

In his Mann Ki Baat programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called upon people to start a mass movement for water conservation and resolve to save every drop of water amidst water scarcity in several parts of the country.

Mr Modi said an awareness campaign should be started which should not only focus on water-related problems but also propagate ways to save water.