Jal-Dharo Jal-Bharo

In order to combat the alarming situation in respect of both Ground and Surface water scenario in the state, the programme named “Jal Dharo-Jal Bharo" was launched during 2011-12 for preservation of precious water resources. For successful implementation of the programme, the Water Resources Investigation & Development Department, GoWB has taken the important role for large scale harvesting of rain water as well as arresting surface runoff for improvement and availability of precious water resources through construction and management of Minor Irrigation structures.

The objective of the "Jal Dharo-Jal Bharo" programme is to harvest rain water in all kinds of water bodies viz, tanks, ponds, reservoirs, canals and underground artificial recharge through rooftop rain water harvesting. For conservation and storage, rain water/surface run-off is arrested in derelict/silted tanks after proper de-siltation mainly for irrigation purposes.

The Department of Water Resources Investigation & Development is not only executing water harvesting structures under different plan fund but is also engaged in re-excavation of tanks and other water bodies under MGNREGA programme in convergence with P&RD Department, Govt of West Bengal. Different types of structures like Check Dams, Water harvesting Tanks and Surface Flow Minor Irrigation Schemes are being constructed for arresting surface run-off vis-a-vis utilisation of stored water for irrigation/other purpose.

Available evidence indicates that substantial variation in the onset monsoon and short duration of its span affects the principal monsoon crops. Variation of rainfall affects both the harvested area and the productivity resulting in reduction of crop production. Thus, enhancement of water holding capacities in the water bodies will immensely support for supplementary irrigation during the dry spell. Apart from agriculture activities, pisiculture activities will also be developed resulting in further avenue of income.

Availability of water throughout the year will also help the local villagers for the purpose of their domestic activities and animal husbandry activities.

DWRID has launched Mass awareness campaign in different Districts of West Bengal to save the precious water resources through "JAL DHARO-JAL BHARO” Programme with the aim towards building citizens’ awareness for rain water conservation and its effective use.

Mass awareness campaign of "Jal Dharo-Jal Bharo" programme has already been launched in Kolkata areas and different Districts of the State to make aware the people of the necessity for water conservation through Artificial Recharge, efficient use of Irrigation water, quality preservation by controlling pollution and above all their active participation to mitigate the water crisis, through daily leading Newspapers and display of Hoardings at different locations of Kolkata areas and different Districts of the State. For awareness campaign, a Documentary Film has also been prepared in six different language i.e. in Bengali, English, Hindi,OI Chiki (Santhali Language), Nepali & Urdu named "JAL DHARO JAL BHARO", by State Water Investigation Directorate under Water Resources Investigation & Development Department.

Upto the year 2019 - 20, 3,14,522 number water bodies/retention structures have been created/renovated out of which 86,232 equivalent tank have been created by WRI&DD, 2,28,225 number water bodies have been created/renovated in convergence with P&RD Department and 65 number pond have been created/renovated by WRI&DD under MGNREGA.

The year wise breakup are appended below :