Focus on Water Conservation
The not to pleasant summer season in Jammu and Kashmir since the past few years is pointing towards the fact that the coming years will be no different. The region known for its abundant water resources is as of now struggling hard to fulfil its needs for agriculture and other purposes including industrial ones.
The region famous for its rivers moving along the valleys and mountains and other perennial water sources, like natural springs and geysers have been providing the all-important water for all our day to day needs.
However, during the past two decades or so, the region has been witnessing a severe change and recession in these water resources. The situation has turned so grave that during the past few years many Nallas and streams like the Bringi Nallah dried up completely. Besides, many natural springs that existed in abundance, dried up creating a scare among the people. The famed Achabal Spring also faced drying up but later it resurfaced.
The indications that have been surfacing over the years point out to the fact that we need to get ready and be prepared to face the situation and help ourselves to lessen the impact the situation can have on our very survival.
Mother Nature has bestowed us with resources that if taken care of can work wonders for us and help us to face any arising situation with ease. One such measure that needs more attention and promotion is Jal Shakti Abhiyaan – ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign, a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at promoting water conservation and rainwater harvesting.
Recent reports suggest that Rajouri district in Jammu region has made significant progress under the campaign. Nearly, 3,800 groundwater recharge and water conservation and harvesting structures have been successfully recharged and as a result the achievement has qualified the district for a national-level award.
The move has given rise to the importance of ensuring the long-term sustainability and quality of the assets created under the campaign. This measure has given a new hope to the regions that are water deficient or do not have free access to water streams and Nallas that could have otherwise provided some relief to the local populace.
Notably, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the much-anticipated Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain – 2025 in March this year on the World water day.
The campaign underscores the importance of water security, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater recharge in the face of climate change and growing water challenges.
The initiative will focus on 148 districts across the country, fostering greater synergy between government agencies, communities, and stakeholders in ensuring the sustainable management of water resources.
For a region like that of Jammu and Kashmir which has many hilly and difficult terrains, the scheme can prove to be a game changer as the region experiences heavy downpour for most parts of the year which can make the scheme quite appealing and transformative.
Besides, the authorities too need to plan a massive outreach schedule across all districts so that people are made aware about the water shortfall we are experiencing year on year. The thrust needs to be on water conservation and preserving whatever little we can for exploiting it to our use as and when the need arises.
