The award is given to top performing districts under the campaign, Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain; Bidar will get ₹25 lakh in cash.
In a landmark achievement, Bidar district has emerged as a winner of the Centre’s Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Award given to top performing districts under the campaign, Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain.
The district will receive ₹25 lakh in cash from the Centre, acknowledging its outstanding contribution to water conservation and community participation under the campaign.
Bidar district is one among the top 80 districts selected under category 3 of the campaign. A total of six districts from Karnataka bagged the award and Bidar alone from the Kalyana Karnataka region.
This recognition not only highlights the district’s commitment to sustainable water management but also serves as an inspiration for other regions to adopt similar practices.
This national-level initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, aims to promote community-driven water conservation and groundwater recharge efforts across India.
As a part of the campaign for conservation of water, Bidar has taken up construction of small check dams, gabion structures, gully plugs, percolation ponds, soak pits and traditional rain harvesting and recharge systems such as taankas and stepwells.
Earlier, the zilla panchayat took up desilting works under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and trenches in agricultural fields.
Empowering communities
The Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative is designed to foster active participation from all stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, industries, NGOs and resident welfare associations.
By promoting groundwater recharge and water conservation practices, the campaign seeks to address the challenges of water scarcity and groundwater depletion.
The award serves as a testament to the power of community-led initiatives in driving change.
Bidar’s achievement
Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Girish Badole has said that Bidar district’s achievement is a shining example of what can be accomplished through collective action and community engagement.
As the nation strives to meet its water conservation goals, the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Award serves as a powerful motivator.
Dr. Badole said that social and community participation plays a vital role in accomplishing initiatives like Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari to drive transformative change in water conservation.
source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)