All states need to cooperate to interlink rivers across the country: Jal Shakti minister

Stating the example of the water-sharing dispute in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Shekhawat said each of these states can get more water if nine identified river links are joined.

Making a stronger push for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s key project to interlink rivers, Union Jal Shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Tuesday called for cooperation among states to arrive at a consensus for its implementation across the country. He informed that the Union government is preparing detailed reports on projects to link 31 rivers in the country.

Shekhawat, who was in Mumbai to attend a global investors’ summit, said that there will be “effective progress” on interlinking of rivers in the next five years if all the states cooperate on the issue. He said that water and energy are state subjects and thus the Centre cannot force the states to comply with them on the issue. [Readmore]

Water security: TS to strengthen Jal Shakti Abhiyan in Urban Local Bodies

HYDERABAD: Owing to the alarming depletion of groundwater levels in the ULBs, the Telangana Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (TSMEPMA) has decided to strengthen Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) to promote water conservation and improve groundwater levels. Jal Shakti Abhiyan was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) with the objective to promote water security in water-stressed areas across the country, particularly in the southern states, including Telangana. [Readmore]

Awareness Prog on 'Jal Shakti Abhiyan' held at Longleng District

Longleng, August 4 (MExN): An awareness programme on “Jal Shakti Abhiyan” was held at Yingli Government College (YGC), Longleng on August 3.

A press release issued stated that during the programme, Senior Scientist & Head KVK Longleng Dr K L Meena delivered about ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan’ (water conservation campaign) which was launched by “Jal Shakti Ministry” on July 1 ,for creating awareness among all stakeholders including farmers on water conservation and rain water harvesting. Importance of water conservation and its impact on future generation was delivered by Dr Lily Ngullie, ACTO, KVK Longleng. A brief report on water conservation techniques at farmer’s field initiated by KVK Longleng was delivered by A Namei SRF. Dr Abdul Rehman, HOD History department gave the concluding remark on water conservation. The programme ended with a vote of thanks by Yuimi, Technical Officer. All together 120 students and teaching faculty attended the programme. [Readmore]

Construction, engineering companies line up for water-related projects.

Domestic engineering and construction companies are expecting deals in water-related projects to pick up.The Centre formed a new water ministry — Jal Shakti — in May in a bid to bring various water schemes under one roof. 

Almost three months later, while orders are yet to fructify, construction companies see the formation of the ministry as an indication of greater investment in the natural resource. [Readmore]

Water is a national issue, above political affiliations: Jal Shakti Minister

India has more than 5,100 dams, another 400 are being built, we are the third largest dam owning country in the world, after US and China, says Jal Shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in an interview to Hindustan Times.

The focus of the new ministry of Jal Shakti will be on awareness, technical support and handholding, Jal Shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said, explaining that because water is a state subject, this approach is necessary. At the same time, there are subjects not mentioned in the Constitution related to water where the Centre has the right to pass laws, he added in an interview to Sunetra Choudhury. Edited excerpts. [Readmore]

Jal Shakti Ministry: measures to save water started in 256 districts

In a countrywide effort to enhance water security, especially in water-stressed districts, the Centre’s Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) has initiated over 3.5 lakh water conservation measures in 256 districts, said officials of the Jal Shakti Ministry on Friday. [Readmore]