Jal Sakhis Solve 80% of Water Scarcity in MP’s Bundelkhand via Jal Jeevan Mission
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Synopsis
The Jal Sakhi initiative in Bundelkhand has made significant strides in tackling water scarcity, achieving an 80% reduction in the crisis. Led by community women, these groups focus on education about water conservation and cleanliness, aligning with the Jal Jeevan Mission's aim to provide tap water to every rural household by 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Women-led Jal Sakhi groups are crucial in tackling water scarcity.
- 80% of the water crisis in Sailwara has been resolved.
- Awareness about water conservation has greatly increased.
- Efforts include cleaning ponds and wells for better water storage.
- The initiative supports the Jal Jeevan Mission goals for rural water access.
Bundelkhand, March 21 (NationPress) The residents of Madhya Pradesh's Bundelkhand region have long endured critical water shortages, particularly during the intense summer months. However, through the impactful initiatives under the Central government’s Jal Jeevan Mission, the water crisis in Sailwara Gram Panchayat, situated in the Damoh district, has been significantly addressed.
This area, historically marked by water scarcity, has seen improvements due to the establishment of 'Jal Sakhi' groups at the Gram Panchayat level in 2011, which are part of a broader water conservation strategy. These community groups, predominantly led by women, have played a crucial role in raising awareness about water conservation, management, and the essential role of water in rural development.
In Sailwara Gram Panchayat, under the leadership of Neetu Sahu, the village Sarpanch, and a committed team of 'Jal Sakhi' women, the community has confronted the water challenge directly.
“Our main objective was water conservation. Today, we've addressed around 80 percent of the water crisis in our locality,” Sahu expressed to IANS.
The 'Jal Sakhi' groups, which mainly consist of women, have dedicated themselves to educating locals on the significance of water management, rainwater harvesting, and the maintenance of ponds and wells.
Meera Rajak, an Anganwadi worker and a member of the 'Jal Sakhi' group, stated: “We established this group in 2011 with the intent of promoting water conservation. Our group includes 20 women, and we visit every household to discuss the importance of saving water.”
Their initiatives have also concentrated on promoting cleanliness as part of the 'Swachhata Mission' to reduce waterborne illnesses.
The effects of the 'Jal Sakhi' initiative are evident, with residents like Reena Rai reflecting on the severe water scarcity their community once faced.
“The 'Jal Sakhi' program has educated us on how to effectively store and conserve water,” said Rai.
Similarly, Kavita Patel, another local, emphasized the women’s efforts in cleaning wells to ensure adequate water storage, enabling the village to better endure dry spells.
This community-led effort aligns with the overarching aims of the 'Jal Jeevan Mission', which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2019. The mission aspires to deliver tap water to every rural household by 2024. At its outset, only 17 percent of rural households had access to tap water. By the conclusion of this mission, over 19 crore rural families are anticipated to gain improved water access, thereby bridging the rural-urban divide and enhancing public health.
