The Government's premier think tank, NITI Aayog will be launching a fortnight long 'Jal Utsav' festival starting Wednesday to create awareness and sensitivity towards water management, conservation and sustainability.
Jal Utsav which comes amid an ongoing global and national water crisis will be implemented in 20 Aspirational Districts/Blocks between November 6-24, 2024 in partnership with National Jal Jeevan Mission, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Union Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The Festival is being launched across 20 states, envisages community participation in preservation and protection of water resources. "It seeks to instil a sense of responsibility towards efficient water use among households and water management among utilities and agencies. In this initiative, school students are being enrolled in water management activities, empowering them to act as catalysts for change within their families and communities," said a Government statement here.
The event will be launched with 'Jal Bandhan' - the symbolic tying of sacred thread on water assets by eminent personalities and local leaders. They would also launch "Fact Sheets on Jal Sampada (water assets)" of their respective blocks and districts.
Besides, discussing the plan for the departmental activities in the fortnight, people would also take the 'Jal Utsav Oath' resolving to maintain and protect the water resources ensuring judicious and sustainable use. Through this pledge, communities are being encouraged to abide by the 5Rs: Respect, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recharge while using water.
The subsequent days of the Jal Utsav fortnight will include cleaning of Jal Sampada assets; celebrating Jal Sanchay Diwas; encouraging teachers to lead through creating water management awareness through stories, experiments and visits to water bodies and also by training the students on water quality testing using field test kits (FTKs).
Students will be given exposure visits to water supply and treatment plants for greater awareness about water management; organizing Jal Utsav Run or marathon; planting of trees under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' at Jal Sampada premises are also the activities planned for the fortnight. People for skill development under 'Nal Jal Mitra' initiative of Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation will also be enrolled during the Jal Utsav.
Self-help Groups (SHGs) and ASHA workers are also being included in this festival for sensitisation and capacity building.
The campaign is inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who proposed the idea of Jal Utsav during the 3rd Chief Secretaries Conference in December 2023. The festival aims to create a collective responsibility toward preserving water resources and ensuring their sustainable management, as per the statement.
