Associated News Bureau

DC Srinagar Pushes Sustainable Water Conservation Measures, Reviews Progress Under Catch the Rain Campaign

SRINAGAR, June 2: Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, , on Tuesday reviewed the progress of the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan 2.0 being implemented under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan–Catch the Rain Campaign and directed all executing agencies to strengthen efforts towards sustainable water conservation across the district. The review meeting was held at the DC Office Complex and was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Rifat Aftab Qureshi, Chief Planning Officer Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Joint Commissioner SMC Suhai-ul-Islam, Superintending Engineer Hydraulic Er. Ambreen Anjum, Assistant Commissioner Development Tariq Ahmad, SDM East Zubair Ahmad, Executive Engineers of various departments, and other concerned officers. During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the importance of effective inter-departmental coordination for achieving the objectives of the campaign. He instructed all stakeholder departments to ensure the timely completion of ongoing works and called for the establishment of sustainable rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge systems throughout the district to enhance water availability. The DC directed the Jal Shakti Department to continue geo-tagging water sources and recharge structures while providing technical assistance to Panchayats in identifying and implementing suitable water conservation initiatives. He also stressed the need to intensify Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities to raise public awareness about water conservation, sustainable water management, and community participation in protecting water resources. Highlighting the significance of collective responsibility, Akshay Labroo said that water conservation requires a coordinated and proactive approach from all departments to ensure the successful implementation of the campaign across Srinagar district. The Education Department was asked to promote rooftop rainwater harvesting systems in schools and educational institutions and organize awareness programmes among students. The department was also directed to identify “Jal Doots” and “Student Water Champions” who can serve as ambassadors for water conservation and encourage sustainable water management practices. The Agriculture Department was instructed to promote water-efficient farming methods, including micro-irrigation techniques, and educate farmers about water-saving crops. The Irrigation and Flood Control Department was directed to prioritize watershed management, rejuvenation of water bodies, desilting of canals and ponds, and the creation of groundwater recharge structures. Similarly, the Rural Development Department was asked to utilize MGNREGA for the development of rainwater harvesting structures, soak pits, village ponds, and greywater management facilities, while conducting awareness programmes at the Panchayat level. The Forest Department was directed to undertake extensive plantation drives, conserve water bodies within forest areas, and support geo-tagging initiatives. The Housing and Urban Development Department was tasked with promoting rooftop rainwater harvesting systems in urban areas, rejuvenating urban water bodies, and expanding public awareness campaigns on water conservation. The ICDS Department was instructed to encourage similar conservation initiatives in Anganwadi Centres and strengthen community outreach programmes, particularly focusing on enhancing the participation of women in water conservation efforts. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all departments to work in coordination for the effective implementation of the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan 2.0 and the promotion of sustainable water resource management across the district. ANB