Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], October 2 : As part of its water conservation efforts, the Chhattisgarh government will host a two-day 'International Water Conference' on October 5 and 6 at Ravishankar reservoir (Gangrel Dam) in Dhamtari district.
According to officials, this conference aims to highlight the district's progress in addressing water scarcity through the "Jal-Jagar" initiative, a water conservation awareness programme.
The conference will focus on the contributions of farmers who have adopted crop diversification, leading to soil rejuvenation and effective water conservation. It will include discussions among grassroots communities under the theme "Thoughts on Water, Support of the World."
Cultural activities, a "Junk to Jugaad" competition, 'Rangoli' contests, and more will also be organised, and the event will culminate with a Rudrabhishek ceremony using water from 108 Amrit Sarovars, officials said.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the "Jal-Jagar" campaign has proven to be a powerful approach to tackle the water crisis in the state. The Chief Minister has urged the public to participate in the event and witness the district's transformation firsthand.
"Jal-Jagar is an ambitious campaign launched for water conservation in Dhamtari district. It includes community participation to address water crises in the district and pave the way for effective water conservation," CM Sai said.
The campaign aligns with the National Water Mission's "Catch The Rain, Where It Falls" programme, which encourages families nationwide to install water harvesting systems and fosters a shared responsibility in preserving water resources.
Following a 2021 survey by the Central Ground Water Board and the National Watershed Map and Management 2.0 report, Dhamtari was identified as one of 151 districts in India vulnerable to groundwater depletion.
In response, the Chhattisgarh government and Dhamtari district administration jointly launched the "Jal-Jagar" campaign to increase groundwater levels and ensure sustainable water management.
The campaign has made notable progress in revitalizing the district's landscape, with new water streams emerging in previously dry areas. Villagers are also preserving green cover by planting trees under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" and "Betio Ke Naam" initiatives.
A key component of Jal-Jagar is the involvement of women under the theme "Naari Shakti Se Jal Shakti" (Empowering Women for Water Empowerment), highlighting the pivotal role women play in water usage and conservation.
Community members have received training in water conservation techniques, and rainwater harvesting systems have been promoted throughout the district.
Jal Shakti Kendras (Centers) have been set up in each block of the district, where community members are educated on water management techniques. The administration collaborated with Madhya Pradesh-based environmentalist Neeraj Wankhede, known as "Jalpurush," to train public representatives and farmers.
In another major initiative, 121 ponds, known as Amrit Sarovars, were created under the Bharatmala Project, transforming gravel extraction sites into water bodies. Additionally, during the excavation of the Gangrel Dam, 35 truckloads of plastic waste were removed, emphasising the importance of maintaining cleanliness around water bodies.
The "Jal-Jagar" campaign has been further promoted through a mascot named "Piku" and a series of 10 animated films that convey water conservation messages. Posters, caps, T-shirts, and other materials were distributed to spread the campaign's message and encourage public participation.
The Chhattisgarh CM has stressed the importance of maintaining environmental balance through the preservation of green cover and the conservation of water bodies. This vision has been realised through water recharge programmes, pond renovations, and rainwater harvesting initiatives in the district, demonstrating significant awareness and community participation.
Geo-tagging and indexing of water bodies was done under which all water sources were identified and digitally mapped. Plans for water conservation were developed based on scientific principles. Moreover, Jal Shakti Kendras were established where people were trained on methods for saving water and its proper usage.
Large-scale tree planting and pond cleaning drives were conducted in the district with community participation. Efforts were made to revive old and dry borewells to improve the groundwater level.
Dhamtari Collector Namrata Gandhi noted that the district has witnessed a consistent increase in water levels throughout the year, reflecting positive shifts in crop cycles and water conservation initiatives.
"This success can be attributed to the effective implementation of the Jal-Jagar initiative, which has significantly improved groundwater levels and water availability," she said.