Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Monsoon steps begun

The Jal Shakti Abhiyan has taken all measures to boost the rural economy and combat present health crisis created by COVID-19. Also, the scheme is to use large availability of rural labour forces (due to lock down).

Highlights

• The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had recently announced that the monsoon rains in the country are to be normal. 
• With this, the Jal Shakti Abhiyan had made preparations to conserve water and recharge and replenish water sources.

Jal Shakti Abhiyan

• The Jal Shakti Abhiyan was launched in 2019. 
• So far, the scheme has covered over 256 water stressed districts in the country. 
• It is the largest mass movement in India that brings all stakeholders under one ambit. 
• This is because more than 6 and half crore people are part of it. 
• This includes central government, state governments, Panchayati raj institutions, etc.
• Under the scheme, more than 5 lakh water bodies have been renovated. 
• Around one crore rain water harvesting and water conservation structures have been created.

MNREGS

• The Ministry of Home Affairs recently allowed Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme to work on water conservation and irrigation works. 
• The Jal Shakti Abhiyan will now use these forces as well.
• The Village Action Plan that are prepared by the local communities are also to be implemented this year under the scheme.