Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Over 45 water springs to be revived in Kashmir

In the picturesque valley in Bhardewah, Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, over 45 dried-up springs would be restored under Central Government sponsored Jal Shakti Abhiyaan, which is a water conservation campaign. District Development Commissioner Sagar Dattaray Doifode said on Wednesday that the revival of springs would not only help meet the requirement of safe potable water to locals but also attract visitors due to the unique architecture of the place.

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Reviving water springs in Kashmir

District Development Commissioner Sagar Dattaray Doifode reportedly kick-started restoration work of the dried-up springs including a unique Buddhist era spring 'Dragon Mouth' at Sungli village. It was named the Dragon mouth because the outlet of the water was through a dragon-shaped stone. Along with the 'Dragon Mouth', 14 other dried up springs in Bhardewah and 30 others in the surrounding areas were identified for immediate restoration, officials reportedly claimed.

"We will try our best to revive all water bodies of this beautiful valley especially ancient springs," Doifode, who led an officers' team to inspect the dried up natural water resources, reportedly told.

Bhaderwah is known for its natural springs, which are found in abundance in and around the town. A local resident told a news publication, 32% population of Bhaderwah is totally dependent on these springs to meet their needs. The local resident added that dozens of springs started drying up due to deforestation, unplanned construction near water bodies and excessive use of non-biodegradables and pollution.

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According to the official Jal Shakti Abhiyaan website; officers, groundwater experts, and scientists from the Government of India will work together with state and district officials in India’s most water-stressed districts for water conservation and water resource management by focusing on the accelerated implementation of five target intervention. The JSA aims at making water conservation a Jan Andolan through asset creation and extensive communication. The first phase starting from 1st July to 15th September, for all participating States and the second phase, will be between 1st October to 30th November for States with retreating monsoon.

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Jal Shakti's restoration works in Salem, Tamil Nadu

Jal Shakti Abhiyan had undertaken the restoration of Wordesilt Bodhinaikenpatti Lake in Old Sooramangalam in Salem in July. The Salem Corporation, under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, has taken up desilting of the 20.26-acre lake. In this year's Union Budget 2019-2020, the Jal Shakti Ministry has been allotted Rs 28,261.59 crore.

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(With PTI Inputs)