Fifty villages with acute water scarcity in 25 districts in the State have been chosen for the Central government’s ‘Jal Gram’ scheme to make them water surplus through integrated development and water conservation measures, according to A. Subburaj, Regional Director, the Central Water Commission.
Addressing a workshop on water conservation, water security and water quality, organised by the CWC here on Thursday, Mr. Subburaj said two villages in every over-exploited district had been identified in the first phase for implementation of the scheme, which is one of the components of the Jal Kranti Abhiyan. Villages in other districts would be identified in the second phase.
The main objective was to ensure effective and maximum water utilisation in the villages. “Water users will chalk out plans, and block-level and district-level committees will implement them. The project will be designed on the basis of available water sources, quantity and quality and estimated demand of water for each village,” he said.
Groundwater in about 25 districts had been over exploited for drinking and irrigation purposes. On an average, the groundwater level had been depleting one foot every year in Tamil Nadu. “Holistic and integrated approach will result in effective conservation and management of water.
“Line departments will be involved in the implementation of the scheme,” Mr. Subburaj said.
