1096 Jal Shakti Abhiyan works taken up in W. Godavari
As many as 1660 water conservation works have been sanctioned in the district of West Godavari in Andhra Pradesh, of which 1096 are in different stages of progress, according to Central Nodal Officer (CNO), Mr. Sudhaker Shukla, Chief Economic Adviser, Ministry of Rural Development.
The CNO led a Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) team for the second time to the Pedavegi and Jangareddygudem Blocks of the water stressed district between 18th and 20th August, 2019. The purpose of the visit was to check progress of interventions planned in the areas of water conservation and rainwater harvesting; renovation of traditional water bodies/tanks; reuse borewell recharge structures; watershed development and intensive afforestation. The CNO also conducted an orientation programme for technical assistants at the District Water Management Agency office, West Godavari, Eluru. Thereafter, he inspected JSA works such as SMC trenches at Vijayarai village, high density plantation work in Pedavegi, and roof water harvesting structures.
At a meeting convened by District Collector, West Godavari for all participating departments on 19th August, it was emphasized that all projects will need to be completed in a time bound manner by 15th September, 2019. On 20th August, the CNO had an opportunity to interact with engineering college students and gram panchayat functionaries.
Here are details of JSA activities:
District Water Conservation Plan: Godavari, Yerrakaluva and Tammileru are the three rivers that flow through the district; while Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage, Eluru canal, Vijayarai Aqueduct, Tammileru, Jalleru and Yerrakaluva reservoirs are the sources of irrigation. In addition, there are a total 1375 irrigation tanks and 1301.766 KMS of canal system apart from 25000 KMs of distributory canals and field channels. Taking this into account, the District Action Plan jointly prepared by the Water resource department and District Water Management Agency involved the development of 114 cascade systems in which large tanks will be developed by the water resources department and smaller tanks will be developed by MGNREGA.
KVK Kisan Mela, Jangareddigudem: A KVK Mela focusing on JSA was organized by Dr Y.S.R. Horticulture University at Jangareddigudem Market Yard on 14th August, 2019. Launching a book titled, “Water management in various crops” written by a Scientist from YSR Horticulture University, Sri Kotagiri Sridhar, MP, Eluru asked people to save 30% of water used daily. Thereafter, he visited various stalls on water conservation and distributed prizes to the students who demonstrated models on saving ground water.
JSA Review Meeting: Additional Commissioner (O/s Commissioner, Rural Development), Sri Bala Subramanyam visited the district held a meeting to review JSA progress with officers of Pedavegi and Jangareddigudem Mandals on 17th August. Explaining that the ultimate goal was water conservation, he said it was the responsibility of every individual to conserve natural resources for the future generations. In addition, he called for adoption of best practices to improve groundwater levels and conserve water resources; and asked officers of MGNREGA to go on field visits and monitor JSA works on a daily basis.
JSA themed Independence Day: During the Independence Day parade a special tableau focusing on JSA theme was included in the march past. In his address, Sri Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose, Minister for Revenue highlighted the importance of water conservation issues.
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