NITI Aayog Launches Jal Utsav for Water Conservation Across 20 States
NITI Aayog aims at engaging with National Jal Jeevan Mission and Ministry of Jal Shakti and Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under 15-day-long 'Jal Utsav' water festival with efforts from communities to achieve objectives through promoting water conservation practices at 20 state-level areas. The awareness creation events would be carried on the event days ranging between 6th and 24th November 2024 with respect to practice sustainably, water-conservative approaches, and being prudent while using the said essential liquid.
There would be a series of celebrations across 20 Aspirational Districts with an array of activities to reach the grassroots level. These range from cleaning water assets to tree plantation, student awareness campaigns, and community promises to ensure responsible water use.
The idea is that the individual and the communities themselves take proactive measures in making India's water safe and sustainable for the future.
The concept of Jal Utsav aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, inspired by the success of ‘Nadi Utsav’ (River Festival) discussed in December 2023 at the 3rd Chief Secretaries Conference. Through various community-driven activities, the festival seeks to empower individuals, particularly students, to become active agents of change within their families and communities, reinforcing the need for water stewardship in everyday life.
The festival will kick off with the symbolic 'Jal Bandhan', where eminent personalities and local leaders will ceremoniously tie a sacred thread on water assets to signify their commitment to water preservation. Leaders will also introduce a 'Fact Sheet on Jal Sampada' specific to their districts, outlining the status of local water assets. Participants will take a pledge, the ‘Jal Utsav Oath,’ committing to sustainable water practices through the 5Rs: Respect, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recharge.
Throughout the fortnight, a series of engaging activities are planned, including the cleaning of water assets, the celebration of "Jal Sanchay Diwas" for water conservation, and the introduction of water management lessons in schools. Teachers will use stories, experiments, and field trips to educate students on water quality testing and sustainable practices. Students will also have the opportunity to visit water supply and treatment plants, further enhancing their understanding of water resource management.
Additional events during the ‘Jal Utsav’ festival include the ‘Jal Utsav Ru’, a celebration of water's significance in sustaining life, and tree-planting campaigns under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative. These efforts aim to strengthen environmental conservation and the protection of water resources.
In addition, skill development programs will be conducted for 'Nal Jal Mitra' (water community volunteers) under the guidance of the 'Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation'. These programs are designed to enhance local capabilities in managing water resources.
Self-help groups and 'ASHA workers' will also participate, focusing on building capacity for water conservation at the grassroots level.
Through these activities, Jal Utsav aims to promote a collective understanding of the crucial role water plays in sustaining life, while encouraging sustainable practices to ensure water security for future generations.
