Jammu :Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, AkshayLabrooTuesday chaired a meeting here at the Meeting Hall of DC Office Complex to review the progress of Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan 2.0 under Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain Campaign in the District.
The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner, Rifat Aftab Qureshi, Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Joint Commissioner SMC, Suhai ul Islam, Superintending Engineer Hydraulic, Er Ambreen Anjum, Assistant Commissioner Development, Tariq Ahmad, SDM East, Zubair Ahmad, Executive Engineers of I&FC, Water Works Division, Rural Water Works, UEED, SMC, City Drainage, SMC, LCMA and other concerned.
At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need for effective inter-departmental coordination to achieve the objectives of the campaign. He directed stakeholder Departments to ensure timely completion of ongoing works and stressed the importance of creating sustainable rain water harvesting systems and ground water recharging systems across the district to augment availability of water.
The DC directed the Jal Shakti Department to continue the geo-tagging of water sources and recharge structures, while extending technical support to Panchayats in identifying and implementing suitable water conservation interventions. He also emphasized the need to intensify IEC activities across the District to promote awareness on water conservation, sustainable water management and community participation in safeguarding water resources.
Emphasizing the importance of collective action, the DC stated that water conservation is a shared responsibility and called upon all Departments to adopt a coordinated and proactive approach for the successful implementation of Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan 2.0 throughout the District.
The DC directed the Education Department to promote rooftop rainwater harvesting structures in educational institutions and conduct awareness programmes among students. He further asked the Education Department to identify “Jal Doots” and “Student Water Champions” in Schools who can serve as ambassadors for water conservation and help promote sustainable water management practices.
The Agriculture Department was directed to promote water-efficient farming practices, including micro-irrigation techniques and to generate awareness among farmers about water-saving crops. The Irrigation and Flood Control Department was instructed to prioritize watershed management, rejuvenation of water bodies, desilting of canals and ponds and the creation of groundwater recharge structures. The Rural Development Department was asked to leverage MGNREGA for the development of rainwater harvesting structures, soak pits, village ponds and greywater management facilities, while also undertaking awareness campaigns at the Panchayat level.
The Forest Department was directed to undertake extensive plantation drives, conserve water bodies within forest areas, and support geo-tagging initiatives. The Housing and Urban Development Department was asked to promote rooftop rainwater harvesting systems in urban areas, rejuvenate urban water bodies, and intensify public awareness activities on water conservation.
The ICDS Department was instructed to encourage similar interventions in Anganwadi Centres and strengthen community outreach efforts, with a special focus on enhancing the role of women in water conservation.
