As part of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan campaign, Vellore district chief superintendent P.K. Abdul Kareem interacted with officials on Wednesday on various works undertaken by them. Talking to mediapersons, he said the scheme was under progress in 27 districts of the State.
An important part of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan is that it will focus on five aspects - water conservation and rainwater harvesting, renovation of traditional and other water bodies, reuse of water and recharging of structures, watershed development, and intensive afforestation.
Under this scheme, firka-wise water management schemes are floated and its progress is being monitored by District Collector. Apart from undertaking rejuvenation of waterbodies, water courses and reservoirs, steps are being taken to sensitise the people on ground water management techniques at house level.
Jal Shakti Abhiyan and the State government’s ‘Kudimaramathu’ schemes go hand in hand in Vellore district. As many as 220 small irrigation lakes, 481 tanks/drinking water ponds are being rejuvenated by Rural Development and Panchayat Raj department at a cost of ₹15.81 crore, he said. Likewise, 5,000 works are under way with a plan outlay of ₹200 crore under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
Moreover, the Public Works Department, which is in charge of the maintenance of several waterbodies and irrigation tanks, is involved in carrying out repair works.
Residents and commercial establishments have been asked to implement rain water conservation to improve groundwater level. The implementation work has been entrusted with respective local bodies, Mr. Kareem said.
