On Thursday, the Maharashtra government and the Ministry of Jal Shakti met for a high-level review to discuss the activities of Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB), Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY).
Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil presided over the gathering in New Delhi, which was also attended by Deputy Chief Ministers, prominent Central and State officials, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of Maharashtra.
For groundwater recharge, source sustainability, and long-term water security, Patil emphasised that water conservation must become a people-led movement, citing Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari as a critical endeavour. While large-scale water infrastructure projects like dams and canals are necessary, he emphasised the need of smaller, less expensive recharge structures, farm ponds, and rainfall gathering systems for producing noticeable gains in places with water scarcity.
Since pipeline infrastructure cannot ensure a steady supply of drinking water in the long run, the Minister stressed the importance of tying water conservation efforts with the Jal Jeevan Mission. He went on to say that more water availability will have social benefits, such as less stress on women and less healthcare costs.
Patil stated that the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative, which was initiated in September 2024, is making great strides. He emphasised the importance of individuals, government workers, and farmers constructing water conservation structures on their properties, with the help of corporate social responsibility initiatives, local organisations, and community involvement.
Maharashtra will fill in the loopholes in implementation and provide more relief to areas prone to drought, according to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He stressed the need of water conservation as a social movement and singled out river-linking projects as a sustainable way to ensure water availability in the future.
The Centre assured ongoing financial and technical support for outstanding schemes and infrastructure development while officials assessed work under JJM 2.0, irrigation projects, and water quality monitoring.
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