Q13.What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security?

The Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA), launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, is a time-bound, mission-mode campaign. Its goal is to improve water security and promote conservation through a multi-pronged approach across India.

Core Intervention Areas

JSA primarily focuses on five critical intervention areas to enhance water availability and management:

• Rainwater harvesting structures.
• Renovation of traditional and other water bodies.
• Reuse and recharge structures, including borewell recharge.
• Watershed development activities.
• Intensive afforestation drives.

Implementation Strategy and Objectives

The Abhiyan emphasizes a 'Jan Andolan' (people's movement), fostering extensive community participation for sustainable water management. It promotes convergence of various Central and State schemes for integrated planning and efficient resource utilization.

Targeting water-stressed districts and blocks, JSA aims to improve groundwater levels and overall water availability. It seeks to create widespread awareness and build local capacity for efficient water use and conservation.

By integrating these features, JSA strives to achieve long-term water security and resilience, particularly in vulnerable regions, through a collaborative and holistic framework.