Harapanahalli and Hagaribommanahalli taluks in Ballari district that were among the most drought-prone areas in the country have been chosen for the implementation of Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Director of Union Ministry of Science and Technology Manoj Kumar has said. “The Jal Shakti Abhiyan is aimed at water conservation and rainwater harvesting, renovation of traditional bodies, reuse of water and recharging of structures, watershed development and intensive afforestation. “Construction of Krishi Honda [farm ponds] and recharge shaft, dredging tanks and lakes, afforestation, building check-dams and other works would be taken up on a large scale in the two taluks selected for Jal Shakti Abhiyan. Government departments concerned such as Agriculture, Minor Irrigation, Water Resources, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Panchayat Raj Engineering and Horticulture need to get oriented to Jal Shakti Abhiyan and to come up with concrete plans. Mr. Nakul also stressed the need for making the Jal Shakti Abhiyan a people’s movement by ensuring their active participation.

Source: The Hindu July 16, 2019 19:29 UTC