Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Launches Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2024 Campaign

Union Minister Urges Active Participation in Catch the Rain Campaign to Empower Women & Ensure a Water-Secure Future. It is our firm belief that empowering women will empower the Nation: Shri Shekhawat

Posted On: 10 MAR 2024 2:34PM by PIB Delhi

The Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched the fifth edition of "Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain" campaign on 9th March, 2024, at the NDMC Convention Centre in New Delhi. The campaign, themed "Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti," emphasises the integral role of women in water conservation and management. The campaign comes under the National Water Mission, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation in collaboration with the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation. The Union Minister also virtually launched two books: “Jal Shakti Abhiyan 2019 to 2023- The Journey for Sustainable Water Future” and “101 Glimpses of Women Power: Through the Prism of Jal Jeevan Mission”.

The event began with the auspicious ‘Jal Kalash’ ceremony, signifying collective commitment towards water conservation and its sustainable use in the future. Two short films “Jal Shakti Abhiyan 2019 to 2023 – A public led movement marching towards Water Security'' and “Short films of Jal Jeevan Mission” and a documentary of Ladakh were screened. The event witnessed participation from women warriors, Sarpanchs, VWSC members, pump operators, State Government officials, NGOs, and others.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasized the critical importance of water conservation and sustainable management. He highlighted the role of water in our lives and economy, noting that JSA:CTR – 2024 is a testament to the Government's commitment to water conservation and sustainable development, with 'Nari Shakti' playing a leading role in these efforts. He praised the efforts of women contributing to the success of campaigns like Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Atal Bhujal Yojna.

Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR, Ms. Debashree Mukherjee highlighted the burdensome task of water collection predominantly borne by women and the significance of clean water sources in transforming communities. She acknowledged the commitment of stakeholders in the Jal Shakti Abhiyan and urged for people's participation in water conservation efforts.

The event featured women water warriors from diverse backgrounds who shared their experiences in championing water conservation efforts, inspiring others to participate.

Focused interventions of the campaign include:

• Water conservation and rainwater harvesting
• Enumerating, geo-tagging, and inventorying all water bodies; preparation of scientific plans for water conservation
• Setting up Jal Shakti Kendras in all districts
• Intensive afforestation
• Awareness generation

Additional emphasis this year includes:

• De-silting and cleaning of water bodies
• Revitalizing abandoned/defunct borewells for groundwater recharge
• Geo-tagging of water bodies, with mapping and updates in State's revenue records
• Intensified afforestation efforts in catchment areas
• Snow harvesting in hilly areas
• Rejuvenation of small rivers

The Ministry of Jal Shakti launched the Jal Shakti Abhiyan in 2019 as a “Jan Andolan” to initiate water conservation at the grassroots level through citizen participation. "Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain-2024" is the fifth edition in the JSA:CTR series, running from 9th March to 30th November, 2024. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Chandra Bhushan Kumar, Additional Secretary and Mission Director, Jal Jeevan Mission, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation.