Context:
Over the last 11 years, India has significantly expanded its water conservation infrastructure through initiatives like Jal Sanchay Abhiyan and Amrit Sarovar Abhiyan.
Key Highlights:
- Scale of Implementation:
- Creation of ~50 lakh artificial water harvesting structures
- Development of ~70,000 lakes (Amrit Sarovars)
- Major Schemes:
- Jal Sanchay Abhiyan: Focus on rainwater harvesting
- Amrit Sarovar Abhiyan: Creation and rejuvenation of water bodies
- Objectives:
- Enhance water storage capacity
- Improve groundwater recharge
- Address water scarcity
- Community Participation:
- Encouragement of local involvement in water management
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Water Harvesting:
- Collection and storage of rainwater/runoff
- Groundwater Recharge:
- Process of replenishing aquifers naturally or artificially
- Amrit Sarovar Initiative:
- Launched to create 75 water bodies per district (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav)
- Jal Sanchay Abhiyan:
- Focus on water conservation structures across rural areas
Relevant Mains Points:
- Significance of Water Conservation:
- Critical for agriculture (largest water consumer)
- Reduces dependence on monsoon variability
- Supports climate resilience
- Impact on Rural Economy:
- Improved irrigation availability
- Enhanced crop productivity and farmer income
- Strengthened livelihood security
- Environmental Benefits:
- Prevents groundwater depletion
- Improves ecosystem sustainability
- Reduces soil erosion and runoff losses
- Challenges:
- Maintenance of created structures
- Uneven regional implementation
- Lack of scientific planning in some areas
- Way Forward:
- Integrate water harvesting with watershed management
- Use GIS-based planning for site selection
- Promote community ownership and maintenance
- Align with schemes like MGNREGA and Jal Jeevan Mission
- Encourage traditional water systems revival
UPSC Relevance:
• GS 3: Environment – Water conservation, climate adaptation
• GS 2: Governance – Public schemes and implementation
• GS 1: Geography – Water resources management
• Prelims: Water harvesting concepts, government schemes