How Did the Defence Estates Organisation Achieve the Top Water Conservation Award?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- DEO received Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Award.
- Recognized for significant water conservation efforts.
- Promotes community engagement in water management.
- Supports national water security initiatives.
- Implements reforms for transparency and efficiency.
New Delhi, Nov 18 (NationPress) The Defence Estates Organisation (DEO), part of the Ministry of Defence, received the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 1.0 Award for Best Partner Ministries/Departments during a National Water Conservation ceremony in New Delhi on Tuesday, as per an official announcement.
This recognition highlights the DEO's outstanding contributions to water conservation and its significant role as a national collaborator under the National Water Mission of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, stated the official.
The organisation has set a benchmark for collaboration between departments, adeptly combining community involvement with infrastructural and environmental projects.
DEO has shown commendable advancements in enhancing water security initiatives across Defence establishments across the country.
Utilizing innovative strategies, community engagement, and efficient implementation methods, the DEO has effectively driven extensive water conservation efforts, according to the announcement.
Moreover, the DEO has improved groundwater recharge in various areas, restored traditional water bodies and heritage structures, promoted community engagement, and fostered long-term sustainability through responsible water use.
This award emphasizes the DEO's crucial contribution to the Union government's objective of achieving a water-secure future, aiming to establish 10 million artificial recharge and conservation structures under JSJB 2.0.
In September, the Defence Ministry revealed that as part of the 'Year of Reforms' initiative, the DEO has initiated measures to boost efficiency, transparency, and institutional capacity.
During this time, DEO has progressed in digitisation, implemented land management reforms, launched citizen-oriented welfare initiatives, and enhanced infrastructure, reflecting the Ministry's commitment to modernizing defence administration, the official stated.
Previously, the DEO partnered with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to extend social welfare programs in cantonments, including the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, NAMASTE scheme, and Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana, enhancing the welfare ecosystem for the residents.
A significant achievement was the Special Land Audit Report for the North Eastern Region, covering almost 50,000 acres of Army-occupied land across eight states, including Sikkim, which has improved transparency and accountability in defence land management.