Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma today chaired a meeting here at the DC Office Complex to review the progress of Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan (JSJB) 2.0 in the district. The meeting was attended by ADDC Surinder Mohan Sharma; DFO Kathua Ankit Sinha; CPO Ranjeet Thakur; SE Hydraulic; SDM Hiranagar; ACD; ACP; CAO; CHO; XEN PHE; XEN Irrigation; CEO Municipal Council Kathua; EOs of Lakhanpur and Billawar and other concerned officers.
The meeting was informed that under the previous phase of the campaign, 499 water conservation works were identified, of which 484 have been completed and 15 are under progress. It was further informed that during the current phase, 40 works have been taken up, including 03 Rain Water Harvesting structures, 32 Soak Pits, 02 Village Ponds, 01 Check Dam and 02 other water harvesting interventions.
Of these, 36 works have been completed while 04 are in progress. The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need for effective inter-departmental coordination to achieve the objectives of the campaign. He directed stakeholder departments to ensure timely completion of ongoing works and stressed the importance of proper geo-tagging, documentation and prompt uploading of completed works on the designated portal for accurate accounting and monitoring of district activities.
The DC directed the Jal Shakti Department to continue geo-tagging of water sources, recharge structures and extend technical support to Panchayats for identification of water conservation interventions. The Agriculture Department was asked to promote water-efficient farming practices, micro-irrigation and awareness regarding water-saving crops.
The Irrigation and Flood Control Department was instructed to focus on watershed management, rejuvenation of water bodies, desilting operations and creation of recharge structures. The Rural Development Department was asked to leverage MGNREGA for development of rainwater harvesting structures, soak pits, village ponds and grey water management facilities, besides generating awareness through Gram Sabhas.
The Forest Department was directed to undertake plantation drives, conserve water bodies in forest areas and support geo-tagging initiatives. The Housing and Urban Development Department was asked to promote rooftop rainwater harvesting in urban areas, rejuvenate urban water bodies and intensify awareness activities.
The DC further directed the Education Department to promote rooftop rainwater harvesting structures in educational institutions and conduct awareness programmes among students. The Social Welfare Department was asked to encourage similar interventions in Anganwadi Centres and strengthen community outreach on the role of women in water conservation and governance.
The DC reiterated that water conservation requires active public participation and called upon all departments to work in a coordinated manner for successful implementation of Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan 2.0 across the district.