Chhattisgarh Hosts International Water Conference to Showcase Jal-Jagar Success

Chhattisgarh Hosts International Water Conference to Showcase Jal-Jagar Success

Chhattisgarh Hosts International Water Conference to Showcase Jal-Jagar Success

Raipur, Chhattisgarh – The Chhattisgarh government is organizing a two-day ‘International Water Conference’ on October 5 and 6 at the Ravishankar reservoir (Gangrel Dam) in Dhamtari district. This event aims to highlight the district’s progress in water conservation through the ‘Jal-Jagar’ initiative.

Focus on Farmers and Community Participation

The conference will emphasize the contributions of farmers who have adopted crop diversification, leading to soil rejuvenation and effective water conservation. Discussions will be held under the theme ‘Thoughts on Water, Support of the World,’ involving grassroots communities.

Cultural Activities and Competitions

The event will feature cultural activities, a ‘Junk to Jugaad’ competition, ‘Rangoli’ contests, and will conclude with a Rudrabhishek ceremony using water from 108 Amrit Sarovars.

Chief Minister’s Vision

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the ‘Jal-Jagar’ campaign has been a powerful approach to tackle the water crisis. The Chief Minister has encouraged public participation to witness the district’s transformation.

National Water Mission Alignment

The campaign aligns with the National Water Mission’s ‘Catch The Rain, Where It Falls’ programme, promoting water harvesting systems and shared responsibility in water conservation.

Groundwater Depletion Response

Following a 2021 survey identifying Dhamtari as vulnerable to groundwater depletion, the ‘Jal-Jagar’ campaign was launched to increase groundwater levels and ensure sustainable water management.

Community and Environmental Initiatives

The campaign has led to new water streams, tree planting initiatives, and the involvement of women under the theme ‘Naari Shakti Se Jal Shakti’ (Empowering Women for Water Empowerment). Community members have been trained in water conservation techniques, and rainwater harvesting systems have been promoted.

Jal Shakti Kendras and Collaborations

Jal Shakti Kendras have been set up in each block, educating community members on water management. The administration collaborated with environmentalist Neeraj Wankhede to train public representatives and farmers.

Amrit Sarovars and Cleanliness Drives

121 ponds, known as Amrit Sarovars, were created, and 35 truckloads of plastic waste were removed during the Gangrel Dam excavation, emphasizing cleanliness around water bodies.

Promotion and Awareness

The campaign has been promoted through a mascot named ‘Piku’ and animated films. Posters, caps, T-shirts, and other materials were distributed to spread the message and encourage public participation.

Environmental Balance and Community Participation

The Chhattisgarh CM stressed the importance of environmental balance through green cover preservation and water conservation. Efforts included water recharge programmes, pond renovations, and rainwater harvesting initiatives.

Geo-Tagging and Scientific Planning

All water sources were identified and digitally mapped, and plans for water conservation were developed based on scientific principles. Large-scale tree planting and pond cleaning drives were conducted with community participation.

Positive Outcomes

Dhamtari Collector Namrata Gandhi noted a consistent increase in water levels, reflecting positive shifts in crop cycles and water conservation initiatives. This success is attributed to the effective implementation of the ‘Jal-Jagar’ initiative.

Doubts Revealed


Chhattisgarh -: Chhattisgarh is a state in central India. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural resources.

International Water Conference -: An International Water Conference is a big meeting where people from different countries come together to talk about water-related issues and solutions.

Ravishankar reservoir -: The Ravishankar reservoir is a large water storage area in Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh. It helps store water for various uses like drinking and farming.

Dhamtari district -: Dhamtari district is an area in Chhattisgarh. It is known for its agriculture and water resources.

Jal-Jagar -: Jal-Jagar is an initiative or program focused on saving and managing water resources effectively. ‘Jal’ means water in Hindi.

crop diversification -: Crop diversification means growing different types of crops instead of just one. This helps in better use of water and soil.

community participation -: Community participation means involving local people in activities and decisions. In this case, it means people in the area help with water conservation.

National Water Mission -: The National Water Mission is a program by the Indian government to save water and use it wisely. It aims to make sure everyone has enough water.

groundwater levels -: Groundwater levels refer to the amount of water stored underground. Higher levels mean there is more water available for use.

environmental improvements -: Environmental improvements mean making the surroundings better, like cleaner air, water, and more green spaces.

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