IN NEWS: Telangana ranks 1st in water conservation projects under Jal Shakti initiatives
Introduction
Telangana has emerged as the top-performing State in water conservation efforts with the construction of 5.2 lakh water conservation structures under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 1.0 initiative, as announced by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The recognition is part of awards under the “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain” campaign.
ANALYSIS
Overall Performance & Ranking
- Telangana secured 1st position with 5.2 lakh structures
- Followed by:
- Chhattisgarh – 4.05 lakh structures
- Rajasthan – 3.64 lakh structures
- Reflects strong implementation of water conservation strategies and community participation
Policy Framework & Campaign Linkages
- Awards linked to Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain
- JSJB 1.0 launched with a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach
- Focus on:
- Artificial recharge structures
- Water storage infrastructure
- Targets:
- States: Minimum 10,000 structures
- Municipal Corporations: 10,000 works
- ULBs: 2,000 works
Regional & District-Level Performance
Northern Zone
- Mirzapur (UP) – 35,509 works (1st)
- Varanasi – 24,409
- Jalaun – 16,279
Eastern Zone
- Balod (Chhattisgarh) – 92,742 (1st)
- Rajnandgaon – 58,967
- Raipur – 36,282
Southern Zone
- Telangana districts dominated:
- Adilabad – 98,693 (1st)
- Nalgonda – 84,827
- Mancherial – 84,549
Western Zone
- East Nimar (MP) – 1.29 lakh (1st)
North-East & Hilly States
- North Tripura – Top performer
Urban Local Bodies & Municipal Performance
- Raipur Municipal Corporation – 33,082 works (1st)
- Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board – 14,363
- Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation – 14,331
- Guna Municipality (MP) topped among non-municipal ULBs (2,227 works)
Awards & Incentives
- Awards presented at 6th National Water Awards
- Cash incentives:
- Rs 1–2 crore for top districts
- Rs 25 lakh for Category 3 districts
- Total 100 awards across categories
Role of Stakeholders
- Industry Associations:
- FICCI Water Mission
- ASSOCHAM
- NGOs:
- Jaltara Save Groundwater (Top performer)
- GirGanga Parivar
- Art of Living
- Philanthropists & Officers also recognized
Governance & Policy Implications
- Emphasizes decentralised water management
- Strengthens climate resilience and groundwater recharge
- Highlights importance of:
- Community participation
- Incentive-based governance
- Multi-stakeholder involvement
- Critical for water security in drought-prone regions
STATIC PART
- Initiative: Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 1.0
- Launched: September 2024, Surat
- Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti
- Campaign: Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain
- Key Officials Mentioned:
- C. R. Paatil – Jal Shakti Minister
- V. L. Kantha Rao – Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation
- Award Platform: 6th National Water Awards
- Award Presented By: President Droupadi Murmu
Updated - 11 November 2025 ; 08:10 PM | News Source: Siasat