The Government of Maharashtra has announced the launch of the second phase of the Jalyukt Shivar project, which aims to tackle drought-prone areas by implementing water conservation measures. The scheme aims to capture maximum run-off water during the monsoon months, particularly in villages that receive less rainfall.
The Jalyukt Shivar project’s primary objective is to enhance groundwater recharge by installing decentralised water bodies at various locations within villages. The first phase of the project, which ran from 2015 to 2019, aimed to make 5,000 villages drought-free every year.
Water conservation measures under Jalyukt Shivar
The Jalyukt Shivar project focuses on implementing a range of water conservation measures, including:
- Constructing check dams and percolation tanks to store run-off water and recharge groundwater.
- Desilting and deepening of village ponds to improve water-holding capacity.
- Widening and deepening of streams and nullahs to increase their water-carrying capacity.
- Encouraging the use of drip and sprinkler irrigation to conserve water in agriculture.
- Developing water-efficient farming practices by promoting crop diversification and adoption of advanced farming technologies.
Impact of Jalyukt Shivar
The first phase of the Jalyukt Shivar project has had a significant impact on Maharashtra’s water conservation efforts. According to government estimates, the project has helped recharge nearly 8.5 million cubic meters of water, benefitting more than 11,000 villages across the state. The scheme has also helped increase the groundwater level in several areas, making them less dependent on external sources of water.
Government of India initiatives on water conservation
Apart from the Jalyukt Shivar project, the Government of India has launched several schemes to promote water conservation and management. Some of the major initiatives include:
- Jal Jeevan Mission: The mission aims to provide potable tap water to every rural household in the country by 2024. Under the scheme, the government plans to invest in infrastructure development to provide piped water supply to every household.
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana: The scheme aims to enhance water-use efficiency by promoting better on-farm management practices. The scheme focuses on developing water-efficient farming practices by promoting crop diversification, adoption of advanced farming technologies, and efficient irrigation techniques.
- Jal Shakti Abhiyan: The scheme aims to promote water conservation in 256 water-stressed districts across India in a time-bound manner. The scheme focuses on promoting rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and crop diversification to promote sustainable water management.
MCQ s on Government Initiatives on Water Conservation and Management in India
-
What is the Jalyukt Shivar project?
A. A project to promote tourism in Maharashtra
B. A scheme to improve healthcare facilities in drought-prone areas
C. A project to tackle water scarcity and promote water conservation in villages
D. A project to promote sustainable agriculture practices
-
Which of the following is not a water conservation measure under the Jalyukt Shivar project?
A. Widening and deepening of streams and nullahs
B. Desilting and deepening of village ponds
C. Encouraging the use of drip and sprinkler irrigation
D. Promoting the use of flood irrigation in agriculture
-
What is the Jal Jeevan Mission?
A. A mission to provide potable tap water to every rural household in India by 2024
B. A mission to provide electricity to every rural household in India by 2024
C. A mission to provide free healthcare to every rural household in India by 2024
D. A mission to provide free education to every rural household in India by 2024
