'Jal Shakti Abhiyan': Govt launches water conservation campaign

With some parts of the country reporting water shortage, Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Monday launched a conservation campaign, with an emphasis on 1592 stressed blocks in 256 districts.

The 'Jal Shakti Abhiyan' will focus on five aspects -- water conservation and rainwater harvesting, renovation of traditional and other water bodies, reuse of water and recharging of structures, watershed development, and intensive afforestation, Drinking Water Sanitation Secretary Parmeswaran Iyer said.

Officers from the central government, led by additional secretaries and joint secretaries, have been assigned to these 256 districts, he said.

The district administration will also nominate two members to join these teams.

The conservation efforts will be supplemented by initiatives like developing block and district water conservation plans and 'krishi vigyan kendra melas' to promote efficient water use for irrigation and better crop choices.

In urban areas, plans with time-bound