Dhamtari district in Chhattisgarh has been honoured with the Prime Minister’s Excellence Award 2023 in the ‘Innovation-District’ category.
This accolade acknowledges the district’s pioneering GIS-based water conservation initiative, which has substantially enhanced water resource management and community engagement.Under the leadership of then-District Collector Namrata Gandhi, the district implemented a comprehensive water conservation strategy leveraging Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. This approach facilitated precise mapping and management of water resources, enabling targeted interventions and efficient monitoring of water bodies.
The initiative led to the establishment of 26 new Amrit Sarovars and 156 rainwater harvesting structures, significantly improving water availability across 472 acres of agricultural land. A GIS-enabled Water Body Inventory, developed using satellite imagery and drone surveys, was created to monitor the health, encroachments, and conservation status of water bodies. Mobile applications were also introduced to crowdsource water conservation efforts during the Jal Jagar Mah Utsav, ensuring real-time progress tracking and enhancing community participation.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Data from the Jal Doot App indicates a declining water table, attributed to the extensive cultivation of summer paddy across 60,000 hectares and the operation of over 32,000 borewells. As of March 2023, 98 gram panchayats faced spot source failures under the Jal Jeevan Mission, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and adaptive strategies in water management.
In response, the district administration launched a 24×7 Jal Jeevan Mission call centre in March 2024, addressing 663 out of 732 complaints, thereby improving public service delivery and restoring community trust. Additionally, a shift towards sustainable agricultural practices was promoted, including crop diversification from water-intensive summer paddy to drought-resistant millets and pulses.
The district also focused on enhancing urban water conservation efforts. A platform named SATHI was introduced to foster collaboration between civil society and government agencies, promoting community ownership of water resources. Workshops conducted by the Central Ground Water Board brought together various departments to map recharge zones and plan interventions, including linking urban rooftop harvesting systems to alluvial recharge zones.
Industrial water usage was scrutinised, revealing widespread non-compliance with Central Ground Water Board norms. In response, flow meters were installed at water sources, and the renovation of 198 rooftop rainwater harvesting systems in industrial areas was initiated. A single-window system under the General Manager of the District Industries Centre was introduced to streamline industry facilitation and ensure adherence to water conservation norms.
Community engagement played a pivotal role in the success of the initiative. The Clean Gangrel Campaign in February 2024 mobilised 29 organisations, recovering 35 mini-truckloads of plastic waste. Proposals have been made for an eco-tourism plan and a single-use plastic ban around the Gangrel reservoir, aiming to promote environmental sustainability.
The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including government departments, NGOs, and local communities, have transformed Dhamtari into a model of innovation in water conservation. The district’s approach exemplifies the importance of integrating technology, community participation, and sustainable practices in addressing water scarcity challenges. As recognised by the Prime Minister’s Excellence Award, Dhamtari’s GIS-based water conservation plan stands as a testament to effective governance and a commitment to sustainable development.
Also Read: https://urbanacres.in/pakistan-accuses-india-of-water-warfare/
Dhamtari GIS Water Conservation Plan Wins PMs Award
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