Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari

Recently, Indian prime minister launched the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative to enhance rainwater harvesting and ensure long-term water sustainability from Surat, Gujarat. 

About Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari

• The initiative aims to conserve water with a focus on community involvement and ownership.
• It aims to construct around 24,800 rainwater harvesting structures through community participation, ensuring long-term water sustainability across state. 
• It is based on the success of the Jal Sanchay initiative of Gujarat Government that dealt with the mobilization of citizens, local bodies, industries and other stakeholders. 
• It uses a “whole-of-society” and “whole-of-government” approach, meaning everyone from citizens to government bodies is involved.
• The program emphasizes mobilizing citizens, local bodies, industries, and other stakeholders to work together for water security.
• Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti 

Distinctive Features of Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 

• Emphasises on India's traditional consciousness- Treats water as a form of God and rivers as Goddesses 
• Adopts Whole of Society and Whole of Government approach 
• Treats water conservation not just as policy matter but also as social commitment 
• Aligns with the ongoing "Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain" of collaborative water management
  

Significance

Water Conservation: 

• Collecting rainwater reduces the demand on local water supplies.

Reducing rainwater runoff: 

• Rainwater harvesting helps reduce the amount of runoff, which can reduce soil erosion and reduce the risk of flooding. It also helps reduce the impact on local waterways and ecosystems.

Groundwater recharge: 

• Some systems are designed to return collected rainwater to the ground, helping to recharge groundwater supplies and maintain water levels.

Reducing pressure on infrastructure: 

• By reducing demand on municipal water systems, rainwater harvesting can help reduce the burden on existing water infrastructure, delaying the need for costly upgrades and expansions.

Promote inclusiveness and equity: 

• Address the concerns of vulnerable communities and bridge social inequalities.

Bringing in the latest experiences: 

• Develop locally relevant water conservation initiatives based on the lived experiences of the communities involved.

Government Initiatives to Tackle Shortage of Water in India

National Water Mission: 

• The National Water Mission aims to conserve water, reduce wastage and ensure equitable distribution of water across different sectors.
• It focuses on promoting water use efficiency, groundwater recharge and sustainable development of water resources.

Jal Jeevan Mission: 

• The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2019, aims to provide piped water supply to all rural households by 2024. 
• The mission focuses on leveraging decentralized water management, community participation and technology to ensure safe and sustainable water supply in rural areas.

Atal Bhujal Yojana : 

• Atal Bhujal Yojana, launched in 2019, aims to improve groundwater management and promote sustainable groundwater use in identified water-stressed areas across India.
• It focuses on community participation, demand-side management, and groundwater recharge measures.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana: 

• It was launched in 2015-16 to increase physical access to water on the farm and expand the cultivable area under assured irrigation, improve on-farm water use efficiency, introduce sustainable water conservation practices, etc.

The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation: 

• It was launched in 2015 in selected 500 cities and focuses on the development of basic urban infrastructure in the Mission cities in the sectors of water supply, sewerage & septage management, storm water drainage, green spaces & parks and non-motorized urban transport.

Challenges 

Lack of access to data: 

• Due to lack of access and classification of water resources data, there is limited technical knowledge required for water conservation.

Inequality in policy making: 

• Dominance of experts with technical and scientific knowledge.

Only formal participation: 

• Sometimes legal requirements require the participation of communities, but their proposals are rarely considered.

Limited engagement with outsiders: 

• prevents communities from participating in networking that helps reach consensus and promote future consultation.