(a) the aims and objectives of Jal Shakti Abhiyan and the funds allocated since its commencement, State/ year-wise;
(b) whether the Government has been able to conserve the water in central India which suffers most from water scarcity and droughts;
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the steps taken for the campaign to increase awareness in water-stressed districts and blocks and the funds allocated for the same?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI
(SHRI RATTAN LAL KATARIA)
(a) Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) is a time-bound campaign aiming at making water conservation a Jan-Andolan through asset creation and communication campaigns. Under this campaign, targeted activities are undertaken under 5 broad areas namely, i.) water conservation and rainwater harvesting, ii.) renovation of traditional water bodies/ tanks, iii.) reuse, borewell recharge structures, iv.) watershed development, and v.) intensive afforestation. From the Department, no separate funds is allocated for the JSA. However, under above-mentioned interventions, funds are utilized by convergence of different Central and State Government Schemes to achieve the goal.
(b) & (c) Government of India has launched JSA in 256 water-stressed districts of the country including 14 districts of Central India (Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh). The outcome of JSA is improved water conservation and the benefits accrued will be visible only after some time.
(d) Various steps have been taken up under JSA to increase the awareness in water-stressed districts and blocks through people’s participation. With this campaign, huge awareness has been generated and various stakeholders, viz. government departments, various agencies, NGOs, officials, Panchayats, individuals, etc. have started taking steps for water conservation. There is no separate funds allocated for the JSA.
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