Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan 2.0: Maharashtra’s Revamped Water Conservation Initiative

• Agricultural losses, affecting millions of farmers.

• Acute drinking water shortages, forcing rural communities to depend on tankers.

• Distress migration, as people move to urban areas in search of livelihood.

In 2016, the government launched Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan with the goal of making 5,000 villages water-sufficient each year. The program focused on desilting of water bodies, deepening of nalas (drainage lines), construction of check dams, and promoting rainwater harvesting.

Between 2016 and 2019, the program helped store an additional 1.5 TMC of water, benefiting millions. However, issues like lack of community involvement, inadequate maintenance, and ineffective execution in some areas prompted the need for a more structured and data-driven approach, leading to Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan 2.0.

Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan 2.0: Objectives and Key Features

The second phase of the initiative aims to:

1. Expand Coverage – Include 24,000 additional villages in water conservation efforts.

2. Enhance Groundwater Recharge – Improve rainwater percolation through better planning and execution.

3. Increase Storage Capacity – Desilt water bodies, deepen nalas, and construct percolation tanks to store more rainwater.

4. Promote Community Participation – Involve local gram panchayats, NGOs, and farmer groups in planning and implementation.

5. Use Technology for Monitoring – Implement GIS mapping, drone surveys, and real-time data tracking for better execution.

6. Integrate with Other Government Schemes – Align with initiatives like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to create employment while conserving water.

Implementation Strategy

Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan 2.0 is being executed in a phased manner, ensuring that villages facing severe drought are prioritized. The key implementation components include:

1. Nala Deepening and Widening (Drainage Line Treatment)

• Existing small streams and drainage lines are deepened and widened to enhance rainwater retention.

• This reduces surface runoff and improves groundwater recharge in surrounding agricultural fields.

2. Desilting and Renovation of Water Bodies

• Old and abandoned water reservoirs are desilted to restore storage capacity.

• The silt, which is nutrient-rich, is distributed to farmers to improve soil fertility, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

3. Construction of Check Dams and Percolation Tanks

• Small check dams are built on streams and rivers to slow down the flow of rainwater, allowing it to percolate into the ground.

• Percolation tanks store excess rainwater and gradually release it into the groundwater system.

4. Community Engagement and Capacity Building

• Villagers and local governance bodies (Gram Panchayats) are trained on water conservation techniques.

• Awareness campaigns are conducted on efficient water use, crop selection, and irrigation management.

5. Use of Technology for Effective Monitoring

• GIS-based tracking systems ensure the effective execution of projects.

• Drones and satellite imagery are used to assess changes in water levels before and after interventions.

Impact of Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan 2.0

Since its launch in 2022, Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan 2.0 has already started showing promising results. Some of the key achievements include:

1. Increased Water Availability in Villages

• Many villages that previously depended on water tankers during summer months now have sufficient groundwater levels for drinking and irrigation.

2. Improvement in Agricultural Productivity

• Farmers are able to cultivate additional crops, increasing their income.

• The availability of nutrient-rich silt has reduced dependency on chemical fertilizers, leading to better soil health.

3. Recharge of Wells and Borewells

• Reports from several districts show that dried-up wells have regained water levels, reducing the water crisis.

4. Reduction in Rural Distress Migration

• With improved water security and agricultural productivity, seasonal migration to cities has reduced.

5. Flood Prevention in Monsoon

• The deepening of nalas and drainage lines has prevented flash floods, protecting crops and homes.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Challenges Faced

1. Irregular Rainfall: Even with improved storage infrastructure, rainfall variability remains a challenge.

2. Sustainability of Structures: Many check dams and storage structures require regular maintenance, which needs long-term funding.

3. Community Ownership: Sustaining village-level participation is crucial for the program’s long-term success.

Future Strategies

• Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Water Resource Management: AI-based weather forecasting models can help predict drought-prone areas, allowing for preemptive water conservation efforts.

• Scaling Up Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Partnerships: Encouraging private companies to invest in water conservation projects under CSR funding.

• Strengthening Farmer Advisory Services: Providing technical support to farmers on efficient irrigation methods like drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting.

Conclusion

Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan 2.0 represents a significant step towards making Maharashtra drought-free. By combining scientific water conservation methods, technological interventions, and community participation, the initiative is reviving water security in thousands of villages.

While challenges remain, continuous monitoring, policy enhancements, and local engagement will be key to ensuring the long-term success of this program. As Maharashtra moves towards climate resilience and sustainable agriculture, Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan 2.0 will continue to play a crucial role in transforming the state's water conservation landscape.

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