DC Srinagar reviews implementation of “Catch the Rain, Save the Water”-2023 initiative under Jal Shakti Abhiyan

Srinagar : To review and discuss the key action points for implementation of “Catch the Rain, Save the Water”-2023 initiative under Jal Shakti Abhiyan, a meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad here on Saturday at Meeting Hall of the DC office Complex.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Chief Planning Officer, Programme Officer, ICDS, Assistant Commissioner Development, Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Horticulture Officer, Deputy Education Officer, Executive Engineers from Irrigation & Flood Control, SMC, PHE, REW, besides, representatives from Department of Ecology Environment and Remote Sensing, KVIB, and other concerned.
At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner held discussions regarding the implementation of “Catch the Rain, Save the Water” initiative by the line Departments under Jal Shakti Abhiyan with the central theme “Source Sustainability for Drinking Water” for year 2023 with the view to improve the effectiveness of consumption of water, reducing the loss of water, recharge of ground water by rain water harvesting methods and afforestation.
The DC also took a detailed review of the plans reflecting the provisions for Direct Recharge Structures (under JJM) and other indirect interventions like creation of Artificial Storages, Spring rejuvenation etc. which are being carried out under different schemes like MGNREGS, CAPEX, IWMP etc. and these works form main component of Jal Shakti Abhiyan.
On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner set a timeline of July 11, 2023 for all line Departments to frame Scientific based Conservation Plan for Source Sustainability of Drinking Water covering both rural and urban areas in the District. He stressed on making extra efforts for efficient management of water conservation and rain water harvesting, besides fully tapping ground water sources and springs across the District.
The DC asked the Departments to rejuvenate all water sources and make dedicated efforts to conserve and preserve water to cater the requirements for the present and future generations.
The DC also asked the Officers to inspect water sources like springs and tube wells which are a source to various drinking water schemes and find the requisite interventions to be taken for their sustainability maintenance and preservation. He also stressed on installation of rooftop rainwater harvesting systems in all Educational Institutions and other establishments in perseverance of the drinking water.
With regard to generating awareness among masses, the DC stressed the Officers to launch a mass IEC activity campaign regarding “Catch the Rain, Save the Water” initiative to create awareness among the general public with visible impact on ground. He laid emphasis on community participation for the successful implementation of the initiative in the District.
The DC also asked the line Departments to work in close coordination and make dedicated efforts to conserve and preserve water resources. He asked them to motivate the general public to adopt roof water harvesting measures and replicate the same for water conservation.
Earlier, the DC was given Department wise briefs about Action Points taken by SMC, RDD, Education, Forest, Agriculture, Social Welfare, Jal Shakti, Ground Water, Horticulture and other Departments.
During the meeting, the proposed role of each line Department in implementation of Catch the Rain initiative and IEC related strategy were also discussed.
Pertinent to mention that, the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Catch the rain 2023 was launched by the Government of India on March 04, 2023 in all the Districts of the Country, covering both Rural and Urban area with the central theme “Source Sustainability for Drinking Water” to bring the necessary focus on sustainability of drinking water supply, specially ground water sources and springs.