Jal Dharo Jal Bharo - West Bengal

Introduction

A home is considered because the most precious economic asset for the people and at an equivalent time a crucial indicator of lifestyle. Housing, on the opposite hand, may be a meant to supply shelter and security and is taken into account a fundamental development process, during which the built environment is made, used and maintained for the physical, social and economic well-being and quality of lifetime of individuals and households. As far because the houses are concerned these are the human structures which are meant to measure in, space to figure or store valuable things. It focuses on the consumption pattern of the people and access to the amenities available in and around. Household amenities and assets like safe beverage, source of lighting, public toilet, separate kitchen etc. reflect a household’s quality of life and overall socio-cultural belief. Amenities available during a household are the indications of quality of life. These amenities also indicate the purchasing power of that household. Amenities like access to safe drinking, source of lighting, latrine facility, drainage connectivity, bathing facility, availability of kitchen, use of cooking fuel then on which all at once reflects the extent of development.

According to Census of India 2011, West Bengal features a total 9,13,47736 population of which 6,21,83113 are rural population. On the opposite hand, West Bengal features a total 37,478 number inhabited villages of varied population sizes. During various historical eras diverse racial groups invaded and lived-in different parts of West Bengal thanks to a huge reserve of natural resources which serves the idea of the agrarian economy. Cultural assimilation and diffusion were the apparent outcomes when stronger invaders replaced the previous group. The population of West Bengal has not descended from one parent race, but it's the results of a mix of diverse racial groups coming to the present country during different periods of pre-historic and later ages.

The Water Resources Investigation & Development Department is additionally constructing water detention structures, re-excavating tanks and other water bodies to store more water during the season. For stopping the surface run-off water check dams, water harvesting tanks, surface flow minor irrigation schemes etc are being constructed which can act as supplementary irrigation. These water bodies are creating additional income for rural people aside from using these water bodies in agriculture, pisciculture and farming. 3,370 water bodies are going to be constructed during the 2018-19 fiscal year.

Scheme Overview

Under the state conservation programme “Jal dharo Jal bharo” (collect water and store water) about 3 Lakh ponds are dug till date to affect the water scarcity. to stop floods and supply water during the amount of scarcity many check dams are constructed and irrigation canals are rejuvenated. To disseminate the message of conserving water in every sphere of society the government has also planned to watch a ‘Student Day’. it's noteworthy that the Central ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ scheme will converge with other central and government schemes to realize the objectives of sustainable water system management across the country.

In order to combat the alarming situation in respect of both Ground and Surface water scenario within the state, the programme named "Jal Dharo-Jal Bharo" was launched during 2011-12 for the preservation of precious water resources. For successful implementation of the programme, the Water Resources Investigation and Development Department, Government of West Bengal has taken the important role for giant scale harvesting of rainwater also as arresting surface runoff for improvement and availability of precious water resources through construction and management of Minor Irrigation structures. the govt isn't only executing water harvesting structures under different plan fund but is additionally engaged in re-excavation of tanks and other water bodies under MGNREGA programme in convergence with P&RD Department.

Objective of Scheme - Jal Dharo Jal Bharo

1. To assess this status of beverage, electricity connection and latrine facility in association with the policies available within the districts of West Bengal
2. To analyse the regional differences of basic amenities provided within the rural a part of the districts of West Bengal. the target of Jal Dharo Jal Bharo is to reap and conserve rainwater, and use it for farming, drinking and for livestock. Harvesting is completed altogether sorts of waterbodies – tanks, ponds, reservoirs, canals – and thru artificially recharging underground water using rainwater collected in rooftop tanks.
3. The evaluate the role of urbanization and distance decay effect behind the supply of basic amenities within the rural a part of the districts of West Bengal.

Implementation

• This scheme was launched in 2011 by WB CM Mamata Banerjee
• The Water Resources Investigation & Development Department, Govt of WB implemented this scheme
• Under this scheme, the rainwater is harvested altogether sorts of water bodies i.e tank, ponds, water reservoirs
• Government is creating awareness about rooftop rainwater harvesting
• The Water Resources Investigation & Development Department is functioning with Panchayats and Rural Development (P&RD) Department for excavation and re-excavation of tanks and other water bodies under MGNREGA
• The government also conducts a mass awareness programme regularly regarding the importance of conserving water
• The availability of water throughout the year will help the villagers for his or her domestic, farming activities and animals

Conclusion

A household portrays its standard of living through its economic transaction and social interaction pattern within the immediate natural environment. Amenities like safe beverage, latrine facility and electricity reference to the touch of modernity, social awareness and health consciousness increase the anticipation in rural areas to narrow the gap down with urban areas. And more importantly, the human development index may be a composite expression of anticipation, education status and level of income which are directly associated with the supply of basic amenities. West Bengal is lagging behind in terms of access to basic human needs as compared with the national standard. it's time for the policymakers and intellectuals from various disciplines to specialise in the supply of household amenities and its expected impact on the standard of life for future development. Therefore, keeping the political rivalry aside, it's an urgent need of the time to specialise in overall human development through the participatory decentralization process.