Secretary (Water Resources) chairs Meeting on Inter-Sectoral Convergence to prioritize Artificial Recharge Structures under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative

Secretary (Water Resources) chairs Meeting on Inter-Sectoral Convergence to prioritize Artificial Recharge Structures under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative

Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, chaired a high-level meeting today in New Delhi, to discuss the modalities for achieving inter-sectoral convergence in prioritizing the construction of artificial recharge structures for rainwater harvesting under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) initiative. This initiative forms a critical component of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA) 2024 campaign. Senior officials from key partner ministries participated in the meeting.

The JSJB initiative, which was launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in Surat, Gujarat, on 6th September 2024, places strong emphasis on community engagement (Jan Bhagidari) and a coordinated whole-of-government approach to water conservation. The discussions in today’s meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between Ministries to accelerate the construction of artificial recharge structures, such as borewell recharge systems and recharge shafts, to bolster groundwater levels and ensure sustainable water management practices across the country.

Key Discussion Points:

The meeting underscored the critical importance of coordinated efforts across Ministries and sectors, highlighting the unified approach to making water conservation a national priority. The JSJB initiative remains a flagship effort to secure long-term water sustainability and resilience for the country.