Jal Shakti Abhiyan is a time-bound, mission-mode campaign launched in 2019 to promote water conservation, recharge, and water security in stressed districts.
Salient Features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA)
Targets blocks with critical or over-exploited groundwater across India, prioritising arid and semi-arid regions.
Five Key Intervention Areas
Water Conservation & Rainwater Harvesting
Renovation of Traditional & Existing Water Bodies
Reuse & Recharge of Borewells/Watershed Structures
Watershed Development
Intensive Afforestation
Convergence of Multiple Departments – Brings together Rural Development, Water Resources, Agriculture, Forest, Urban Development, Panchayati Raj under a unified water conservation plan.
Block-Level Water Conservation Plans and a scientific water budget for area-specific interventions.
Central nodal officers monitor implementation through field visits and performance reviews.
Jan Andolan – Engages panchayats, SHGs, NGOs, youth groups, schools, and citizens for mass awareness and behavioural change.
Integration With MGNREGA & PMKSY for creation of check-dams, percolation tanks, ponds, trenches, recharge pits etc.
Urban Water Conservation Measures (JSA – 2021 onwards)
Ensuring mandatory Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) as per Model Building By-Law (MBBL) 2016.
reuse of treated wastewater,
Setting Up RWH Cells in Urban Local Bodies
âCatch the Rain – Where it Falls, When it Fallsâ campaign
Its integrated approach has strengthened water conservation practices and laid the groundwork for long-term water security.