The Ministry of Jal Shakti collaborated with 12 technical institutions for basin-level management and research on 6 key Indian rivers
Ministry of Jal Shakti: For the National River Conservation Plan, the Ministry of Jal Shakti came up with 12 technical institutions naming College of Technology Pantnagar, MANIT Bhopal, SVNIT Surat, VJTI Mumbai, NIT Trichy, College of Fisheries Mangalore, IIT Kharagpur and IIT Roorkee among others for basin-level management and research on 6 key Indian rivers. The rivers which are selected for this purpose are the Narmada, Godavari, Mahanadi, Krishna, Cauvery and Periyar.
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Ministry of Jal Shakti
The Ministry of Jal Shakti, formed in May 2019, combines two pre-existing ministries Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation and the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation for India’s pressing water issues. The Ministry of Jal Shakti manages inter-state water disputes, overseeing river restoration efforts, and promoting water conservation through public awareness campaigns. It coordinates various departments and agencies to achieve its objectives efficiently which are as follows:-
- Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation:
- Supervises entities such as the National Mission for Clean Ganga and the Central Water Commission.
- Manages research institutions like the National Institute of Hydrology and Central Soil And Materials Research Station.
- Administers water regulatory organizations and irrigation projects, including the Polavaram Project Authority and various water dispute tribunals.
- Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation:
- Leads sanitation missions such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission,
- It promotes clean drinking water and improved sanitation facilities nationwide.
National River Conservation Plan
The National River Conservation Plan (NRCP), initiated in 1995, was implemented aim to preserve the ecological integrity of rivers across the country. Working in partnership with the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA), NRCP executes various programs focused on river conservation.
Key Milestones in Funding Pattern:
- 1995-1997: 100% Funding by Centre
- 1997-2001: Transition to Equal Sharing.
- 2001-2015: Changing Funding Ratio
- The funding pattern shifted again in April 2001, with the Centre shouldering 70% of the financial burden, and states contributing 30%.
- This funding ratio remained in place until April 2015, signifying a period of shared financial responsibility.
- 2015 Onwards: Equal Sharing Restored
- As of April 2015, the funding ratio reverted to a 50:50 basis between the Centre and states, reinstating equal sharing of financial obligations.
Key Activities under NRCP:
- Interception and Diversion Works:
- Targeted efforts to capture raw sewage entering rivers via open drains and redirect it for treatment, thus curbing pollution at its source.
- Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs):
- Establishment of STPs to treat diverted sewage, ensuring that effluents discharged into rivers meet environmental standards.
- Low-Cost Sanitation Works:
- Implementation of measures to discourage open defecation along riverbanks, promoting hygienic practices and preserving water quality.
- Crematoria Improvement:
- Introduction of electric and improved wood crematoria to reduce wood consumption and ensure dignified cremation practices, thereby minimizing environmental impact.
- River Front Development:
- Enhancement of riverfront areas, including the improvement of bathing ghats, to facilitate public access while maintaining environmental sustainability.
- Public Awareness and Participation:
- Engaging communities through awareness campaigns and fostering public involvement in river conservation efforts.
- Human Resource Development (HRD) and Research:
- Investing in capacity building, training, and research initiatives to enhance expertise in river conservation practices.
- Location-Specific Interventions:
- Undertaking miscellaneous works tailored to the unique conditions of each location, with a focus on mitigating human impact on river ecosystems.
Which are 12 technical organisations colocated with basin-level management and research on 6 key Indian rivers?
Ministry of Jal Shakti collaborated with 12 technical institutions including College of Technology Pantnagar, MANIT Bhopal, SVNIT Surat, VJTI Mumbai, NIT Trichy, College of Fisheries Mangalore, IIT Kharagpur and IIT Roorkee among others
