Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan Scheme by Maharashtra Government

Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan Scheme by Maharashtra Government

The “Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan” scheme was a flagship initiative of the Maharashtra Government aimed at sustainable water resource management and agricultural development in the state. It was launched in December 2014 with the goal of making Maharashtra’s villages drought-free by harnessing rainwater and improving the overall water management infrastructure. The term “Jalyukt Shivar” translates to “Water-Abundant Village.”

Key Objectives and Components:

Enhancing Water Storage: The primary objective of the scheme was to increase the storage capacity of existing water bodies and create new water storage structures. This included deepening and widening of rivers, lakes, ponds, and constructing check dams, farm ponds, and percolation tanks.

Watershed Development: The scheme focused on watershed development by creating contour trenches, bunds, and other soil and water conservation measures to enhance groundwater recharge.

Soil Health and Crop Yield Improvement: It aimed at improving the soil health and agricultural productivity by promoting organic farming practices, reducing soil erosion, and encouraging crop diversification.

Community Participation: The scheme encouraged community participation in planning and execution. Local villagers were actively involved in decision-making and implementation, leading to a sense of ownership and sustainability.

Drought Mitigation: By improving water availability, the Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan aimed to mitigate the impact of droughts, ensuring that villages have a reliable source of water even during periods of low rainfall.

Employment Generation: The scheme also aimed to create employment opportunities for rural communities by providing work related to water conservation and infrastructure development.

Implementation:

The scheme was implemented at the grassroots level, with each village forming a “Paani Samiti” (Water Committee) consisting of local residents. These committees were responsible for identifying water-related issues in their respective villages and planning the implementation of water conservation measures.

Outcomes:

The Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan Schemes received both praise and criticism during its implementation. Proponents argued that it helped in increasing water availability and improving the groundwater table in several villages, reducing dependency on erratic monsoon rains. Critics pointed out concerns related to environmental impacts, displacement of land, and the need for a more holistic approach to water management.

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