Early Times Report
DODA, June 3: The three-day visit of Angshuman Dey, Union Joint Secretary of the Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region and Central Nodal Officer for Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) and Gargee Sharma, Scientist D and member of Jal Shakti Abhiyaan, concluded in Doda. The visit included extensive interactions with various stakeholders, visits to Water Supply Schemes, and assessments of related infrastructure.
During their time in the district, they engaged with nearly 8000 students and teachers, BDC Chairpersons, DDC Councillors, Sarpanchs, Panchs, Pani Simitis, and the general public, along with district administration officials.
On the final day, they inspected various water infrastructure projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission, including GSRs, FHTCs, gravity lines, and filter plants. They also visited Dhar Chobia Village to meet with panchayat members and toured Jai Valley.
The Union Joint Secretary conducted a comprehensive assessment of the program's different aspects and reviewed its implementation in the district. He commended the efforts of the district administration and other stakeholders in effectively executing the Jal Shakti Abhiyan. Additionally, he visited Amrit Sarovars, water sources, streams, rivers, forests, Jai Valley, and other important locations in the district. A plantation drive was also launched in Bhalla Tehsil of Bhaderwah sub-district.
During the visits, the Union Joint Secretary emphasized the importance of water conservation, judicious water usage, and the protection of water sources and rainwater harvesting. He urged the PRIs to incorporate water conservation and rainwater harvesting plans into various development schemes. He also stressed the need for wider awareness and publicity on the significance of rainwater harvesting and its techniques.
As part of the visit, the Union Joint Secretary launched a unique campaign called "Mai Be Pani Champion" among students, encouraging them to share their stories and activities related to water conservation under the Catch the Rain campaign.
District Development Commissioner, Doda, Vishesh Mahajan, presented a detailed report on the district administration's initiatives to harvest rainwater and recharge groundwater in the district. He mentioned that all building constructions within the municipal limits of Doda, Bhaderwah, and Thathri have been mandated to have rainwater harvesting mechanisms in place. He also highlighted the construction of soakage pits near rural households under MGNREGA and ongoing awareness campaigns in schools to instill water conservation habits among students.
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