*Chandigarh Administration committed to dedicated Water Conservation efforts under “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch The Rain – 2024″*
*Adviser to Administrator reviews progress and gives directions*
*Chandigarh, June 24:-* In a strategic move to address pressing water scarcity, the Chandigarh Administration has embarked on a comprehensive water conservation initiative under the “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch The Rain – 2024” campaign.
The campaign, launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, is centered around the theme “Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti,” emphasizing the pivotal role of women in water conservation.
Sh. Rajeev Verma, IAS, Adviser to the Administrator, Chandigarh today reviewed the progress plan with Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS, Municipal Commissioner, and other senior officials of the UT Administration and the MC Chandigarh.
The Adviser to Administrator expressed satisfaction with Chandigarh’s water conservation efforts, stating, “Chandigarh’s water conservation efforts under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan exemplify the city’s commitment to sustainable resource management. By harnessing the power of women’s participation, we are not only addressing water scarcity but also empowering local communities to be active stewards of their natural resources.”
Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS, Municipal Commissioner, highlighted the multifaceted approach adopted by variousdepartments. Key interventions include Rain Water Harvesting Structures in private houses built on plots of one kanal or more, which have rainwater, in 116 schools and 38 Anganwadis and other Govt buildings. The Adviser directed the departments to prepare an action plan for the saturation of schools, Anganwadis, and government buildings with rainwater harvesting structures.
Utilization of Tertiary Treated Water: The MCC is proposing amendments to the Building Bylaws making the use of tertiary treated water compulsory to optimization of the extensive city wide TT water nextwork being laid under AMRUT 2.0.This initiative aims to strengthen the tertiary treated water supply network, covering all villages, roundabouts, road berms, greenbelts, parks, and institutions, potentially saving 20-25 MGD of fresh water, in addition to the 10 MGD being saved currently.
Rejuvenation of Water Bodies: 7 abandoned ponds have been rejuvenated into Amrit Sarovars, with the Dhanas Pond to be rejuvenated under AMRUT 2.0. The way forward includes adding Amrit Sarovars and lakes to the revenue records.
Afforestation: The various departments plan to plant more than 2 lac saplings in the financial year 2024-25 as part of its afforestation efforts.
Embracing the “Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti” approach, the MCC has integrated women’s participation in its water conservation initiatives. Women Self-Help Groups are actively involved in the maintenance and cleaning of Amrit Sarovars, awareness campaigns, and water quality testing initiatives. The upcoming 24/7 pan-city water supply project will also have a dedicated gender-budgeting component.
Chandigarh’s innovative water conservation initiatives under the “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch The Rain – 2024” campaign serve as a model for other regions to emulate, showcasing the power of collaborative efforts and the transformative potential of “Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti.”
