NATIONAL WATER MISSION

A Report on 'Catch the Rain Campaign' July 2020-March 2021

BEST JAL SHAKTI KENDRAS(JSKs) IN ODISHA UNDER JSA-CTR-2022 JAL SHAKTI KENDRA, BARGARH, ODISHA •

Jal Shakti Kendra, Bargarh was set up in the office premises of Zilla Parisad, Bargarh on

to provide holistic technical inputs to the Administration and Community in Scientific Planning and

dated 05/02/2021 with the objective of dissemination of knowledge and best practices

designing of water harvesting structures.

about the appropriate rain water harvesting structures, suitable to the climatic conditions and soil strata to be taken up to store rainwater •

water and water sources in Bargarh district and this is a technical guidance center to advice local people about the appropriate rain water harvesting structures, suitable according to their climatic conditions

public to get related information on water and water sources in the district and the

and soil strata to be taken up to store rainwater. •

A dedicated phone no. "06646-234499/234795 " is set up and District scientific water conservation plan

The Jal Shakti Kendra is having an area of 144 Square feet with fully Air Conditioned,

has been uploaded in the JSA-CTR Portal. The JSA-CTR portal is well functioning and photographs of

equipped with Desktop Computer and Printer. Cadastral map, Contour Map, Drainage

good practices are being uploaded in the site regularly.

map, Land Use Map, Slope Map, LULC map, Watershed map are available in the Jal Shakti Kendra. Photographs of best practices like Farm pond with Integrated Farming

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good practices are being uploaded in the site regularly.

Activities taken up for sanitization (Well Platform and Tube Well Platform with Soak Pit) are exhibited to acknowledge the farming community and Public. JSK has pooled person power from various thematic areas such as Climate Change, Natural Resource management, GIS and Remote Sensing, Agriculture and Engineering

A dedicated phone no. "06646-234499/234795 " is set up and District scientific water conservation plan has been uploaded in the JSA-CTR Portal. The JSA-CTR portal is well functioning and photographs of

System, Water harvesting Structures, Check Dams, various NRM Structures and

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Tiris Jal Shakti Kendra is the best "KNOWLEDGE CENTRE" for the public to get information related to

Jal Shakti Kendra act as a knowledge centre for local administration as well as for the technical guidance center to advise public

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Shri Benjamin Karunakaran, Deputy Secretary(Dist./IT & CS), Gol, Central Nodal Officer, "Jal Shakti Abhiyan"- Catch The Rain-2022 visited this Jal Shakti Kendra and various projects under JSA on dated 3rd and 4th of August 2022, Bargarh and expressed his satisfaction by visualizing such a well-equipped Jal Shakti Kendra.

(Addressing to district and line department officials on JSA-CTR in presence of Collector & DM, Bargarh ,CDO-Cum-EO, Zilla Parishad, Bargarh and Centra Nodal Officer, JSA-CTR, Gol in the Conference Hall of Zilla Parishad, Bargarh ) (Shri S.S. Chavan, Scintist-C,,CWPRS, Pune, Technical Officer under JSA-CTR for Bargarh District visited various water conservation and water harvesting structures including Roof Top Rain Water Harvesting Structures) Krishi Vigyan Kendra is primarily entrusted to organize series of awareness programes through various IEC activities. District has also organized series of educational& motivational programs, mass awareness campaigns, wall Paintings, banners &posters, knowledge competitions, demonstration activities like theme-based nukkads & skits, branding & popularizing the campaign by logos & printed IEC materials etc. In addition to this, the district level line departments have conducted more than 100 programs on Jal Jagaran, community awareness, farmers sensitization pro gramme for of water community MGNREGS, and MUKTA conservation and utilization resources through participation under PMKSY, OMM, GCF Scheme.

JAL SHAKTI KENDRA, MAYURBHANJ, ODISHA • In Mayurbhanj district; District Administration choose the office premises of the Project Director Watersheds, Mayurbhanj, Baripada to set up "Jal Shakti Kendra"which is located in the heart of Baripada i.e. 21 °56'59.6506"N 86°44'15.02327"E.

• A dedicated phone no. ''08926360511 "with full set up is provided in the JSACTR Portal. JSA-CTR portal is well functioning and photographs of good practices are uploaded in the site. • Awareness Camp among local people were taken up through moving van; Local community were

• The Jal Shakti Kendra is occupied an area of132 Square feet with fully Air Conditioned,

mobilized through Street play and Wall paintings; Celebrated "AzadiKaAmritMahotsav"; Taken part in the

equipped with Desktop Computer, Printer and two nos. of Data Entry Operators.

"HarGharTriranga" Campaign in watershed area; Two nos. of Jiggles are prepared and uploaded in

Cadastral map, Contour Map, Drainage map, Land Use Map, Slope Map, LULC map,

JSA-CTR portal and also in You tube.

Watershed map are available in the Kendra. Photographs of best practices like Farm pond with Integrated Farming System, Water harvesting Structures, Check Dams, Activities taken up for sanitization (Well Platform and Tube Well Platform with Soak Pit) are exhibited to acknowledge the farming community and Public. • All the information related to Mayurbhanj Climatic condition are available over here. This

• You Tube Links: https://youtu.be/kU-1S9HlBUU https:/ /youtu.be/Wv0C7 ghOlv0 • Dr. Manashvi. Kumar, I.AS, Director, (RH), Ministry of Rural Development, Gol cum Chief Nodal Officer, "Jal Shakti Abhiyan"- Catch The Rain-2022 visited this Jal Shakti Kendra, Mayurbhanj, Baripada and expressed his satisfaction by visualizing such a well-equipped Jal Shakti Kendra.

Jal Shakti Kendra is the best"KNOWLEDGE CENTRE" for the public to get information

• A Roof Top Rain Water Harvesting Structure and recharge of ground water structure installed with three

related to water and water sources in Mayurbhanj district and this is a technical guidance

SSS filter & one overhead water tank in the administrative building of the Project Director, Watersheds,

center to advice local people about the appropriate rain water harvesting structures,

Mayurbhanj, Baripada. It is one of the best models with scientific approach for reuse and recharge of rain

suitable according to their climatic conditions and soil strata to be taken up to store

water.

rainwater.

Gomti river rejuvenation : Pilibhit A holistic approach Pulkit Khare, District Magistrate, Pilibhit Nearly one third population of the state capital Lucknow gets their drinking water supply

Siltation, Growth of weeds and lack of ownership were the major problems to begin with. A plan was chalked

from river Gomti. Nearly all the Lucknowites enjoy the view of the majestic Gomti riverfront.

out to tackle each issue in a holistic manner”.

But how many have given a serious thought about the health of the rive dying a slow death? And how many are even aware of the quiet origin of this tributary of river Gangar from the

A gram panchayat wise map was prepared for all these 16 Gram Panchayats by combining the traditional

Fulhar lake in the beautiful district of terai – Pilibhit

wisdom and the available revenue records. Village level functionaries were taken on board and a meeting with lekhpal and village secretary was held for each Gram Panchayat to identify the issue as well as the

The importance of river Gomti, a prominent tributary of river Ganga, is known to one and

pathway for solution. While the problems were scanty and simple in some, there were complex in others.

all. Over 20 major towns of the state in the catchment basin of the river derive their drinking

“Being the terai belt, the ground water level was never a problem but the challenge was to rejuvenate and

water supply from the river while lakhs of farmers depend on the river for their agricultural

establish the stretch as a continuous flowing river. The river was hardly in existence. It was just patches of

produce. A quiet origin as a groundwater fed river from the Gomat taal or Fulhar jheel in

water, dying a silent death” says Pulkit Khare.

Madhotanda panchayat of Pilibhit district, the river travels a distance of around 960 kilometres in the state before meeting river Ganga at Saidpur in Ghazipur district.

After identifying the silted stretches and encroached patches in every village, a meeting of gram pradhans and all other village level functionaries was called by the district magistrate. An emotional appeal was made

A recent report, based on the survey conducted by an eminent University, published in the

to one and all, asking them all to work jointly for revival of the river. “Rivers are called Maa (mother) in our

Indian Journal of Ecology, says that Gomti’s flow is in “danger”

culture. This significance of a river as an all benevolent mother was impressed upon everyone present during this sensitization meet. I called upon their support and ownership of the project to revive their own dying

The journey in the district of origin is only about 47 kilometres before the river silently enters

mother”, tells the district magistrate.

the neighboring Shahjahanpur district. In this initial course, the river Gomti passes through 16 Gram panchayats. However, this entire stretch was marred with obstacles. The flow was

A mega-project from MGNREGA scheme was designed whereby work would proceed simultaneously in all

highly intermittent and patchy.

16 Gram Panchayats. Labours were identified in each village. Getting sufficient labor for the mega project was also a challenge as the desired rejuvenation (widening and deepening) work had to be completed before

“There was no semblance of a river when we first surveyed the stretch after elections in

the monsoons. This would have required adequate number of labors working in two shifts daily. Choupals

April”, says Pulkit Khare, the District Magistrate of Pilibhit who took up the rejuvenation of

were held in villages to enlist labor and issue muster rolls. Labors were told to get associated with this project

this river as a challenging assignment. “There were multiple issues. Encroachments,

to garner blessings of Maa Gomti from this noble work of rejuvenation. Muster rolls were prepared. Date for shramdaan to be held in all 16 panchayats simultaneously was decided to formally launch the project.

A mega-project from MGNREGA scheme was designed whereby work would proceed

Each day, district magistrate and team of few officials would travel a few kilometers to inspect the quality of

simultaneously in all 16 Gram Panchayats. Labours were identified in each village. Getting

work of Gomti river rejuvenation. “It was a learning experience. Each day I would travel a few kilometers

sufficient labor for the mega project was also a challenge as the desired rejuvenation

talking to pradhan, village functionaries and villagers who would join me in hourly inspection-cumwalk along

(widening and deepening) work had to be completed before the monsoons. This would have

the course of the river. I could not only see the quality of work and the challenges first hand, but could also

required adequate number of labors working in two shifts daily. Choupals were held in

gather a lot many solutions from the local wisdom of the villagers. Many other problems of the village would

villages to enlist labor and issue muster rolls. Labors were told to get associated with this

also be discussed and solutions delivered during the walk as all officers related to the village were part of the

project to garner blessings of Maa Gomti from this noble work of rejuvenation. Muster rolls

convoy undertaking the padyatra. Each day the padyatra would begin from where it culminated the previous

were prepared. Date for shramdaan to be held in all 16 panchayats simultaneously was

day”, fondly remembers the district magistrate.

decided to formally launch the project. The labor turnout also improved as the village functionaries held choupals in villages to convince villagers Finally, the Gomti river rejuvenation work started simultaneously in all 16 Gram Panchayats

about the sanctity of this pious work, despite prevailing higher daily wage rates for manual labor. The

on 11th of May this year. Labors were full of joy as were the villagers. They thronged in

pressure of padyatra based inspection ensured that numbers did not fall in either shift of the day during the

numbers to see the work in action.

entire project. An average of over 3000 labors worked daily for 51 days on this rejuvenation project.

The joy was palpable. However, it began to ebb from the very fourth day itself. “I had formed

The labor turnout also improved as the village functionaries held choupals in villages to convince villagers

a watsapp group to get photographs of work and the number of labors employed on work

about the sanctity of this pious work, despite prevailing higher daily wage rates for manual labor. The

sites from each gram panchayat official on a daily basis. The numbers of labors turning up at

pressure of padyatra based inspection ensured that numbers did not fall in either shift of the day during the

the work site started falling from the fourth day. This was worrisome. Consistency was

entire project. An average of over 3000 labors worked daily for 51 days on this rejuvenation project.

needed for timely finishing the project. It was the time to rethink the strategy. This was when the idea of padyatra (Footmarch) struck me”, says the district magistrate.

While digging to widen and deepen the channel was supported by high ground water levels of terai and the rich soft alluvium soil, huge daunting stretches of weeds gave tough time to the labors. Emergence of snakes

The DM then announced that he would himself travel the entire length of the river course to

during the work by labors also sent panic across for few days. Teams from forest department were also

see the quality of work. Initially the labors and the village level functionaries thought that it

deployed then onwards at the work site to catch any dangerous reptile or insect. The work progress

would be random but soon they realized that the daily visits to work sites and the walks along

stabilized to a decent pace. Hot humid days were no more holding back labors determined to show results

the river actually began happening.�

before the onset of rains.

Building sustainability into the project As the problems identified were recurring in nature, elements of sustainability were

fields would help in controlling the growth of weeds, which had arrested the river flow for a significant length.�

essentially introduced as part of the project. Labors were given details of the slope profile

Survey was also done to ensure that no drains or industrial waste empty themselves into the river at any point

expected to be achieved during the work of rejuvenation to enable a healthy gradient for

during its course in the district. Grass-carp, a variety of fish was also introduced throughout the river to

maintaining the river flow. Farmers with lands adjoining the river were also identified from

discourage the weeding process and strengthen the element of sustainability. Illegal fishing was banned and

revenue records and a separate meeting was held with them by the district magistrate

strict vigil on such ecologically damaging activities has been enforced from the police department.

himself asking them for their help in voluntarily paving way for their mother river. As a result, none of the “encroaching” farmers objected to rejuvenation efforts of improving upon the

High banks of silt from deepening and widening were soon piling up. This would have fallen back into the

width of the river channel.

river to nullify the rejuvenation efforts. Their timely removal from the site to flatten the banks was essential. On other hand, there have been water-logging complaints from several government schools demanding silt

Simultaneously, the identified 513 farmers with fields adjoining the river Gomti, were also

for fill-up of their grounds. Both the issues were inter-linked. Each village secretary was given list of nearest

trained in methods of natural farming to reduce chemical pesticides and fertilizers run-off

schools with such requirement and simultaneously tractors were dispatched from sites to deliver filler for

falling into the river. Workshops were conducted for them in small groups. Field visits were

school grounds. These schools will not suffer from water-logging this season and children would have better

arranged for them to witness best practices in natural farming. Pumps were discouraged in

times in these grounds in times to come.

these fields while trenching was encouraged. 23 ponds lying along the course of the river in the river basin were also identified from the revenue records. Dr Krishnaswamy, a renowned hydrologist, was taken on board as advisor for this

These were demarcated and a separate team of labors was earmarked to rejuvenate and work upon the

rejuvenation project by the administration as he could provide technical advice as a

ponds to enable them act as feeding reservoirs for the river. They were demarcated, widened, stepped and

specialist about the sustainability of this project. He advised that reducing the run-off from

deepened to ensure maximum possible rain water harvest through them.

Incorporating ownership & developing a tourist circuit Simultaneously, a suitable place was also identified in each gram panchayat for construction of ghaat with steps. 16 ghaats in these 16 gram panchayats now hold daily morning yoga classes and the evening gomti aarti for villagers by the edge of the river. These activities by the river-side improve the connect and bonding of villagers with the river and strengthen their resolve to keep the river clean. Management committees have been formed in all these villages. Their regular meetings have started to maintain the protion of the river flowing through their village. They advise, correct and even reprimand the erring villagers whose actions negatively affect the purity or flow of the river. Signages were also erected along the route of the river. Some prominent land marks like the Triveni Ghaat, Gomti Gurudwara and Ekhotarnath temple were identified which are now being highlighted as part of Gomti tourist circuit. A few eateries and restaurants along the banks of the river were also earmarked. The udgam sthal or the origin pond has also been developed over the past year into a tourist destination. Facilities of boating, eatery, entertainment for children and a regular Gomti aarti in the evening enthralls the tourist in this scenic place surrounded by sal forests. Tourist vehicles from the Pilibhit tiger reserve have been hired to club this destination with the tiger reserve for tourists. Soon the stream was emerging in all villages as silt was being removed. Widening of the river bed was also occuring simultaneously. Villagers would undertake padyatra with DM in their village. Some even volunteered to be part of yatra daily. Continuity in flow of stream began to appear. Labors were applauded, appreciated and motivated by the officers for their efforts during each day of the padyatra. They were never left to toil alone. The belongingness and ownership towards the river increased. 51 days later, 47 Km covered. An average of 2800 people got daily employment under MGNREGA. A river stands rejuvenated. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- River Gomti now proudly runs clean and continuous in district Pilibhit now: from the Gomti udgam sthal to the border of the district

Holy Attempt by the DM Pilibhit to Revive Origin of Gomti Background: Gomti River is one of the godly and ancient river which originates from Gomat

gram Pradhans and all other village level functionaries was called by the district magistrate and an emotional

Tal of Madhotanda, Gram Panchayat of Pilibhit district, the river travels a distance of around

appeal was made to them to work jointly for revival of the river and the major strategies was adopted-

960 kilometers in the state before meeting with river Ganga at Saidpur in Ghazipur district.

A mega-project to revive the origin source of Gomti was developed from MGNREGA scheme.

Gomti is playing its important role by contributing to agriculture and supplying the drinking

Labors were identified in each village and muster rolls were prepared.

water needs of the residents of about 960 kilometer area of 15 districts. To rejuvenation of

Getting sufficient labor for the mega project was also a challenge as the desired rejuvenation (widening and

Gomti and Its origin source a detailed Panchayat wise survey and mapping conducted and

deepening) work had to be completed before the monsoons.

it came to notice that farming was being done by encroaching Gomti for several kilometers

Labors were mobilized in two shifts daily.

from the point of origin. In such a situation, the District Magistrate of Pilibhit, Shri Pulkit

Choupals were held in villages to enlist labor and issue muster rolls.

Khare took the restoration of the Gomti River from origin to the border of Shahjahanpur

Labors were told to get associated with this project to garner blessings of Maa Gomti from this noble work of

district about 47 KM as a challenging task. There was multiple issues like- Encroachments,

rejuvenation.

Siltation, Growth of weeds and lack of ownership were the major problems to begin with. A

A mega “Pad Yatra” were initiated by the District Magistrate Shri Pulkit Khare for the mobilization of labors,

detailed panchayat and issue based plan was prepared to tackle each issue in a holistic

public representatives and community based leaders.

manner”.

A series of “Shramdaan” were organized in all 16 panchayats A WhatApp group to get photographs of work and the number of labors employed on work sites from each

Key Strategies and plan to revive the Origin Source of Gomti

gram panchayat official on a daily basis. Dr Krishnaswamy, a renowned hydrologist, was taken on board as advisor for this rejuvenation project by the

A gram panchayat wise plan and map was prepared based on local knowledge and the

administration. He advised that reducing the run-off from fields would help in controlling the growth of

available revenue records. The local level functionaries, faith-based leaders and community

weeds, which had arrested the river flow for a significant length.

level leaders were taken on board and a meeting with lekhpal and village secretary was held

Grass-carp, a variety of fish was also introduced throughout the river to discourage the weeding process and

for each Gram Panchayat to identify the measure issues as well as the pathway for solution.

strengthen the element of sustainability.

After identifying the silted stretches and encroached patches in every village, a meeting of

Illegal fishing was banned and strict vigil on such ecologically damaging activities has been enforced from the police department

A total of 73 ponds were excavated while renovating 23 ponds available in government records on the Gomti river bank. 51 days later, 47 Km were covered. An average of 2800 people got daily employment under MGNREGA (An estimated 131,600 laborers mobilized during the campaign) and 2.98 cr funds were mobilized from the MNREGA scheme. Now Gomti river stands rejuvenated and proudly runs clean and continuous from the Gomti “Udgam Sthal” to the border of the Shahjahanpur district. Some prominent land marks like the Triveni Ghaat, Gomti Gurudwara and Ekhotarnath temple were identified which are now being highlighted as part of Gomti tourist circuit A few eateries and restaurants along with the Gomti river bank were also earmarked. The udgam sthal or the origin pond has also been developed over the past year into a tourist destination. Facilities of boating, eatery, entertainment for children and a regular Gomti aarti in the evening, enthralls the tourist in this beautiful place surrounded by sal forests. Tourist vehicles from the Pilibhit tiger reserve have been hired to club this destination with the tiger reserve for tourists. Labors were applauded, appreciated and motivated by the officers for their efforts during each day of the Padyatra. The belongingness and ownership towards the river increased due to Padyatra.

Key steps toward future sustainability: Primarily, Total 513 farmers identified with fields adjoining the river Gomti, were also trained in methods of natural farming to reduce chemical pesticides and fertilizers run-off falling into the river. Sensitization workshops were conducted for them in small groups. Primarily, Total 513 farmers identified with fields adjoining the river Gomti, were also trained in methods of natural farming to reduce chemical pesticides and fertilizers run-off falling into the river. Sensitization workshops were conducted for them in small groups.

Isawanda Laloo, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya Meghalaya receives 12000 mm rainfall a year, the highest in the world but the region faces water scarcity due to excessive run-offs. In view of this problem, a water conservation strategy was formulated by the State. Meghalaya became the first State in India to come up with a State Water Policy of its own in 2019. Adopting a boom-up approach, District Level Committees have been formed as part of the State Policy in addition to the development of a cadre of trained water volunteers (2 per village). So far, she informed, work on water conservation and rainwater harvesting structures (51), renovation of traditional water bodies (2), recharge of bore wells (9), watershed development (73) and afforestation (9) has been done. There is a provision of 'Systematic Review to Assess Progress and Enhance Impact'. Under Jal Shakti Abhiyan, 81 projects related to water conservation, renovation of water bodies, micro-irrigation, ponds etc. were completed during the lockdown period. Ms. Isawanda also talked about the concept of washing platforms which helped in bringing people together to respect water.

EAST KHASI HILLS DISTRICT MYLLIEM C&RD BLOCK

PYNURSLA C&RD BLOCK

MAWPHLANG C&RD BLOCK

BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

TRANSECT WALK

TIPPY TAP HAND WASH

G. Veerapandian, DM, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh Favourable to the geographical condition of the region, the administration of Kurnool district focused on the construction and rejuvenation of minor irrigation and water conservation structures, especially farm ponds. Veerapandian, who was the DM of Anantpur district before taking over Kurnool district, informed that Anantpur became the first district in India to have one lakh farm ponds under MGNREGA. He said that the practices which were adopted in the Anantpur district are being continued in Kurnool which is giving good results. Emphasizing on the importance of rainwater harvesting in the region, he informed that since 2007-08 about 18,4302 rainwater harvesting structures have been constructed creating a water holding capacity of 1620.64 cusec. There is now a marked increase in the horticulture cropping in the area which has resulted in increase in income of farmers.

KURNOOL DISTRICT

FARM POND

GREENING OF HILLOCKS WITH TRENCHES

FARM POND WITH WATER

IRRIGATION FROM FARM POND

FARM POND BY HORTICULTURE DEPT.

TRENCH CUM BUND

Rohit Singh, DM, Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh Jhabua district in Madhya Pradesh made news due to Shiv Ganga movement, a community-led initiative in which all people come together voluntarily to help someone in need when called on through 'Halma'. This concept was used extensively in Jhabua district for water conservation. At the helm of this initiative is Mahesh Sharma, who was conferred with Padma Shri in 2019. Rohit Singh, DM, Jhabua in his presentation apprised the audience with number of efforts being taken up for water conservation. He informed that about 550 water conservation projects have been completed that has created 1,482 hectares of irrigation potential. Besides, around 29,330 water conservation structures like check dams, ponds, lakes etc. have been completed resulting in conservation of nearly 30,000 cubic meters of water. He said that work on 220 stop dams, 409 check dams, 24,044 community wells, 4,648 gabion structures and 242 contour trenches has been completed. Some of these methods have been particularly helpful in preventing surface run-offs. He said that around 27,000 migrants who came to the district during the lockdown were given jobs under MGNREGA. Downstream of these structures, afforestation drive is being done. All government buildings have been mandated to have rainwater harvesting structures and have trees each are to be planted near all government buildings in addition to one tree each near every hand pump in the district. He talked about the unique initiative in Jhabua – Adha Glass Pani – wherein only half a glass of water is offered to guests initially to prevent wastage

JHABUA DISTRICT