Jal dharo Jal bharo Scheme: Once upon a time, farmers in various districts of West Bengal used to extract underground water without any specific measurement or limit for agricultural purposes. They carried out this water extraction process by operating submersible pumps. Due to this excessive and unregulated withdrawal of groundwater, the underground water level in many districts of South Bengal gradually began to decline.
Several districts of the state faced this problem very severely. Districts such as Nadia, Murshidabad, Purulia, Bankura, Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum, and Jhargram experienced the maximum decline in groundwater levels.
To address this serious problem, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched an innovative scheme called “Jal Dharo, Jal Bharo” (Catch Water, Store Water). The Chief Minister first introduced this scheme in the financial year 2011–12, because several surveys had revealed that the groundwater level in various blocks of the state was rapidly declining.
At that time, these blocks were officially declared as Critical blocks. According to current surveys, this serious problem from ten years ago is now largely on the path to resolution. Through the Jal Dharo Jal Bharo Scheme, the underground water level in those districts has increased significantly.
Before this project, which districts of the state had to face serious problems like a declining water level?
About ten years ago, before the launch of the Jal Dharo Jal Bharo Scheme, surveys conducted by the State Water Resources Development Department revealed that nearly nine critical blocks located in Birbhum district had reached the lowest level of groundwater.
Recently, among these nine critical blocks, only one block—Mayureswar-II—remains in a semi-critical condition. Apart from this, there are currently no critical blocks left in the district. Murshidabad district had also faced a similar problem. Through this scheme, the district is now moving towards a solution, with no critical blocks remaining and only one semi-critical block, Raninnagar-I.
In addition, a few semi-critical blocks still remain in some districts of the state, such as Hariharpara, Jiaganj (Murshidabad), Bhabangola-I, Berhampore, Beldanga-I, and Nawda block; Kalna-II, Bardhaman-II, Mangalkot, Memari-I, and Purba Sthali-II. Moreover, many blocks that were earlier critical have now turned into semi-critical blocks, such as Ranaghat, Nakashipara, Karimpur, Shantipur, Krishnaganj, and Nabadwip.
On the other hand, Kharagpur and Keshpur in Paschim Medinipur have moved from critical to semi-critical status. However, through this project, the number of such blocks is expected to soon reduce to zero.
Jal Dharo Jal Bharo Scheme is moving towards success!
According to surveys by the Department of Water Resources Development, West Bengal, due to the initiative taken by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the problem of the continuous decline in groundwater levels is now largely under control. As a result of this scheme, underground water levels are gradually increasing.
The Jal Dharo Jal Bharo Scheme is steadily moving towards success. Under this project, during the summer paddy cultivation season, the use of submersible pumps for water extraction has been reduced, and instead, arrangements have been made to supply water drawn from rivers. This prevents the depletion of groundwater levels and gradually reduces arsenic contamination. As a result, areas in Murshidabad and Birbhum districts that were once severely affected by arsenic have seen a steady decline in the number of affected regions.
Mode of Work of Jal Dharo Jal Bharo Scheme
The initial work of this project began with water channels and ponds across various districts. Currently, most water bodies are found in a neglected condition, though they once held a substantial amount of water. Over time, many water bodies have dried up, while others have become filled with sand and water hyacinth.
Under the Jal Dharo Jal Bharo Scheme, the primary task is the renovation of neglected water bodies and the excavation of many new ones. In addition, small water harvesting structures are being built in the courtyards of village households to store rainwater. Various modern technologies are also being used in agricultural fields so that cultivation can be sustained with less water.
Apart from increasing the underground water level, what are the other benefits of the Jal Dharo Jal Bharo Scheme?
- Greater Water Conservation:
The biggest benefit of this project is the conservation of rainwater during the monsoon season. This stored water is used for agricultural activities during the dry season. Moreover, after purification, it can also be supplied as drinking water to the general public. - Flood Control:
Through the renovation of water channels and the excavation of new water bodies, flood-related damage can be significantly reduced. Often, excessive rainfall directly flows into rivers, leading to floods. However, if rainwater is stored in water bodies and gradually percolates into the soil, it increases groundwater levels and reduces the risk of flooding. - Support to Agriculture:
Under this scheme, instead of extracting groundwater, stored water or river water is supplied directly to agricultural fields. This improves irrigation facilities, enables farmers to produce higher crop yields, reduces the cost of farming, and significantly increases overall agricultural productivity.
Conclusion
The Jal Dharo Jal Bharo Scheme has opened a new horizon in our lives, teaching us how to properly use our valuable water resources and avoid wastage. Through this project, public awareness in the state has increased, helping us move towards solutions to the looming water crisis. This scheme has played a crucial role in shaping our state into a region rich in water resources.
