Jal Shakti to augur well for drought-prone areas

Warangal: The Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Central government's campaign for water conservation to address the acute water scarcity, could well be a shot in the arm for the six mandals under Warangal Rural district that are witnessing drought-like situation.

The programme is aimed at focusing on water conservation and rainwater harvesting, renovation of traditional and other water bodies, reuse of water and recharging of structures, watershed development, and intensive afforestation in a bid to bring positive change in people for water conservation.

Warangal Rural District Collector M Haritha said the campaign will run through citizen participation during the monsoon season from July 1 to September 15.

"The Centre has selected Geesukonda, Sangem, Nallabelly, Duggondi, Wardhannapet and Raiparthy mandals where groundwater table plummeted to alarming levels for the campaign that started on Tuesday," the Collector said.

It may be mentioned here that Centre had launched the campaign with an emphasis on 1,592 stressed blocks in 256 districts across the country.

She told the officials of DRDA, agriculture, horticulture, irrigation, groundwater and forest wings to put up a cohesive effort in carrying the campaign.

In addition to the State departments, self-help groups, NGOs, NSS volunteers etc would also be involved in the campaign. The officials will create awareness among the people about the need for water conservation through drip irrigation and watershed management.

"Ensure that each household should have a water harvesting pit," Haritha directed the officials.

Meanwhile, a three-member team from the Centre is descending on Warangal to oversee the implementation of Jal Shakti Abhiyan on Wednesday.

DRDO Sampath Rao, Horticulture officer Srinivas Rao, joint director of agriculture Usha Dayal, groundwater assistant director Shailasri and Panchayat officer Narayana Rao were among others present.