National Water Mission and Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Paving the Way for Viksit Bharat

The impact of the National Water Mission and Jal Shakti Abhiyan extends beyond conservation—it boosts agricultural productivity, ensures clean drinking water, fosters economic resilience, and mitigates climate-related water crises.

Water is the essence of life, and in a country like India, where monsoons dictate water availability, conservation and judicious use are imperative. The National Water Mission (NWM), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, has been instrumental in pioneering water conservation initiatives to ensure sustainable water management. The latest effort, “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA:CTR) 2024,” with the theme “Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti”, marks the fifth edition of the campaign launched on March 9, 2024. The campaign aims to make water conservation a collective responsibility and integrate technological advancements, policy interventions, and community participation for effective implementation.

Key Achievements Under JSA:CTR 2024

The impact of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan is substantial, as reflected in the data from March 9, 2024, to January 10, 2025:

• 8,80,269 Water Conservation & Rain Water Harvesting Structures were created or are ongoing.
• 2,16,134 Traditional water bodies were renovated or are under restoration.
• 3,61,431 Reuse and recharge structures were completed or are in progress.
• 13,86,975 Watershed development structures were completed or ongoing.
• 6,19,68,567 Afforestation activities were conducted nationwide.
• 702 Jal Shakti Kendras have been established across districts.
• 617 District Water Conservation Plans have been prepared and implemented.

These initiatives are improving water retention, groundwater recharge, and community-driven conservation efforts, setting a strong foundation for a water-secure India.

Community Participation: Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari

Recognizing the importance of public-private partnerships, the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative was launched on September 6, 2024, in Surat, Gujarat. This initiative aims to construct one million recharge structures—such as check dams, percolation tanks, and recharge wells—leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds and local participation. Key developments include:

• Collaboration with 20 industries and 43 representatives to divert CSR funds towards water conservation.
• Partnerships with NGOs to construct artificial recharge structures, borewell recharge points, and recharge shafts.
• The establishment of a dedicated sub-portal, which has already registered 4,00,000 structures for groundwater recharge.

Policy and Administrative Strengthening: Water Vision @ 2047

The All India Secretaries’ Conference on Water Vision @ 2047, held on January 23-24, 2024, in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, focused on sustainable water governance, efficient water use, and climate resilience. The event witnessed participation from:

• Over 300 delegates, including 30 State Secretaries and senior government officials.
• Discussions on 33 key presentations and 7 thematic movies showcasing best practices in water management.
• Launch of an eBook documenting the progress and learnings from the Jal Shakti Abhiyan.

These conferences help formulate long-term policies, ensuring that water management remains a national priority.

State-Specific Action Plans and Capacity Building

To promote customized water conservation strategies, the NWM is assisting 35 States/UTs in developing State-Specific Action Plans (SSAPs). So far:

• 24 States/UTs have submitted draft status reports.
• 7 States/UTs (Haryana, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar) have submitted interim reports.
• 3 major states (Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat) have finalized their SSAPs.

Additionally, capacity-building initiatives are being strengthened through training programs, with institutions such as WALMI Dharwad, WALAMTARI Hyderabad, and NIH Roorkee playing a key role.

Awareness and Grassroots Mobilization

The National Water Mission has launched several awareness initiatives:

Water Talks: Since March 22, 2019, 57 Water Talks have been organized, featuring expert discussions on critical water issues.

Dialogues with District & Municipal Administrators: Since August 2020, 45 sessions have been conducted to discuss best practices in water management.

Mission LiFE Campaign: Organized field visits, social media campaigns, and plantation drives ahead of World Environment Day 2024.

“Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” Initiative: Led to the planting of 62,000 trees nationwide in collaboration with NGOs like Art of Living and the Indian Plumbing Association.

Collaborations and Partnerships

NWM has also strengthened partnerships with NGOs through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), including:

• Girganga Parivar Trust: Committed to building 11,111 borewell recharge structures and 11,111 check dams.
• Sarkaritel.com/Jalprahari: Focused on public awareness campaigns for water conservation.
• Vyakti Vikas Kendra India (VVKI) – Art of Living: Implementing river rejuvenation programs through MGNREGA.

Water Conservation as the Foundation of Viksit Bharat

A water-secure India is critical for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. The impact of the National Water Mission and Jal Shakti Abhiyan extends beyond conservation—it boosts agricultural productivity, ensures clean drinking water, fosters economic resilience, and mitigates climate-related water crises. By integrating technology, policy reforms, and community engagement, India is setting a global benchmark for sustainable water management.

Key takeaways that contribute to Viksit Bharat:

1. Agricultural Sustainability: Enhanced irrigation efficiency through groundwater recharge and water storage solutions.
2. Urban Water Security: Strengthened urban water management reduces dependence on overexploited sources.
3. Economic Growth: Water availability fuels industries, promotes employment, and enhances rural livelihoods.
4. Environmental Conservation: Massive afforestation efforts and watershed management improve biodiversity and climate resilience.
5. Social Empowerment: Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti strengthens women’s participation in water governance, fostering inclusive development.

With continued investment in water security and a strong commitment from all stakeholders, India is well on its way to ensuring sustainable development and a prosperous future for generations to come.