Context: Recently, the Prime Minister of India launched the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative at Surat in Gujarat. The initiative aligns with the ongoing Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain campaign, reinforcing the vision of collaborative water management to ensure long-term water security. 

• The initiative seeks to mobilise citizens, local bodies, industries and stakeholders in Gujarat to implement rainwater harvesting structures. 

About Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative

• It is aimed at enhancing water conservation across India, with a particular focus on Gujarat.

• The primary goal is to strengthen water conservation efforts and address the challenges of water scarcity through public participation and innovative practices.

• This is focused on enhancing water storage, recharge, and sustainable usage practices.

Key Components

• The initiative emphasizes involving local communities, stakeholders, and civil society in water conservation efforts.

• Under this program, approximately 24,800 rainwater harvesting structures across the State are under construction with community partnerships.

• These recharge structures will be instrumental in enhancing rainwater harvesting and ensuring long-term water sustainability.

• This initiative seeks to conserve water with a strong emphasis on community partnership and ownership, and is driven by a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach. 

Role of Community Participation in Water Conservation 

• Sharing of invaluable local knowledge and insights about water sources, consumption patterns, and environmental dynamics.  E.g. Nagaland's Zabo Water Conservation Method etc. 

• Renovation of traditional water sources. E.g. Tamilnadu revived kudimaramathu, centuries-old practice of building and maintaining ponds/tanks with community involvement.

• Rejuvenating and revitalizing through de-silting and feeder channels through community participation E.g. Neeru-chuttu (Andhra Pradesh). 

• Ensures that water management strategies are inclusive, catering to the needs of diverse socio-economic groups. E.g. Zing, small tanks in Ladakh that collect melting glacier water.

• Encourage adoption of water-efficient practices. E.g. Jal Jeevan Hariyali (Bihar)

• Prime Minister emphasised adoption of ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recharge, and Recycle’ mantra to secure nation’s water future. He also highlighted that water conservation is not just a policy, it is an effort and a virtue too. Also, water conservation is not just a matter of policies but social commitment.

Other initiatives for Community Participation to Conserve Water 

• Atal Bhujal Yojana demonstrates community-led sustainable groundwater management.

• Jal Jeevan Mission ensures active involvement of women in paani samitis, who often bear primary responsibility for water collection and usage in rural households.

• Ek Ped Maa ke Naam encourages community for groundwater replenishment through afforestation.

• Namami Gange Initiative had become an emotional resolution for citizens where people gave up old traditions to ensure cleanliness of rivers.

• Catch the Rain Campaign launched in 2021, encourages both urban and rural populations to participate in activities that help in rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.

Impact of Water conservation programs

• Employment: The Jal Jeevan Mission and associated initiatives have created job opportunities for engineers, plumbers, electricians, and other professionals.

• Health Benefits: Access to clean water is expected to prevent numerous health issues, potentially saving significant medical costs and reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases.

• Economic Contribution: Improved water availability contributes to economic productivity by saving time and enhancing the health of the population.