Jal Jeevan Mission: Women Empowering Water Conservation Efforts in MP's Chhatarpur

Chhatarpur (Madhya Pradesh), March 22 (NationPress) The Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh, which has faced persistent water scarcity, is experiencing a significant transformation thanks to the Centre's 'Jal Jeevan Mission.'

Women in Chhatarpur district, who previously endured long treks to collect water, are now spearheading a water conservation movement through the 'Jal Saheli' initiative, providing relief to nearly 500 villages.

'Jal Sahelis' are women-led collectives established in 2005 in Madhogarh village, deeply engaged in managing and conserving water resources. Their strategy includes revitalizing dried water bodies by using sacks filled with silt to form temporary dams.

Their initiatives have revitalized groundwater levels, ensuring water accessibility for drinking, agriculture, and even aquaculture.

During his 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the Jal Sahelis from Raipura village and Chhatarpur district for creating a large pond that has enhanced groundwater levels. He also recognized women who rejuvenated a drying pond and utilized the extracted silt to grow fruit-bearing trees on barren lands.

In an interview with IANS, Girija Rajput, a Jal Saheli, remarked, "Since the introduction of the Jal Jeevan Mission and Har Ghar Nal Yojana, we have been relieved of water scarcity. PM Modi’s acknowledgment of our efforts in 'Mann Ki Baat' has greatly motivated us, and we are grateful to him."

The Jal Sahelis, comprising a robust group of 1,000 members, operate across 200 villages in seven districts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Women aged between 18 to 70 convene with local panchayat bodies to develop water conservation plans.

Their unwavering commitment has transformed villages like Kutora and Devpur, where agriculture had been adversely affected by severe water shortages.

Jal Saheli Parvati Prajapati shared with IANS, "Initially, we were uncertain, but after receiving training, we successfully established tap connections in over 15–20 villages. We also inform the community about water conservation practices."

"Almost every household now has a tap connection, thanks to the government's initiatives, and numerous villages have overcome water scarcity," she continued.

Another Jal Saheli, Pratima, highlighted the transformative impact of the initiative.

"Women used to trek for hours to gather water, but with the 'Har Ghar Nal Yojana', they now save time and energy. This was made possible by PM Modi," she told IANS.

She also underscored their work in building reservoirs to guarantee water availability during harsh summers, benefiting both humans and livestock.

Over 500 villages and more than 3,000 individuals have gained from the water conservation endeavors of the Jal Sahelis, they stated.

This initiative has not only addressed water challenges but also empowered women, providing them opportunities to engage with dignitaries and gain governmental recognition for their contributions.

Rachna Rajput, another Jal Saheli, expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister for the initiative.

Speaking with IANS, she said, "We utilized sack binding techniques to store and distribute water. In my village alone, over 300 individuals have benefited... We also work on river cleaning and pollution prevention."

Rajni, another Jal Saheli, shared similar sentiments, expressing gratitude to PM Modi for an initiative that has empowered women while addressing the region's water crisis.

"We are conserving water and combating scarcity, ensuring a brighter future for all," she told IANS.