Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Award Recognition for Bidar

Bidar’s Achievement

Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Award Recognition for Bidar: Bidar district in Karnataka has been honoured with the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Award under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain campaign. The recognition highlights the district’s exceptional initiatives in water conservation. Bidar stands out as the only district from Kalyana Karnataka among the top 80 districts in category 3 of the campaign.

Static GK fact: Karnataka is divided into four regions: Malnad, Coastal Karnataka, Kalyana Karnataka, and Bayalu Seeme.

Campaign Overview

The Catch the Rain campaign focuses on community-driven water conservation and groundwater recharge across India. It encourages local participation in sustainable water management, aiming to reduce water scarcity and enhance agricultural productivity.

Static GK fact: The Jal Shakti Abhiyan was launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to address water scarcity in critical districts across India.

Key Initiatives in Bidar

Bidar’s success stems from a combination of modern and traditional water management practices:

• Construction of small check dams, gabion structures, gully plugs, percolation ponds, and soak pits.
• Revival of traditional rainwater harvesting methods including taankas and stepwells.
• Desilting works carried out under MGNREGA and trenches dug in agricultural fields to enhance water retention.

These measures not only improve groundwater levels but also support sustainable agriculture and local livelihoods.

Static GK fact: Stepwells are traditional Indian structures that date back to the 3rd century, used for water storage and community gatherings.

Impact on Community

The award highlights the importance of public participation in managing natural resources. By involving farmers, local bodies, and volunteers, Bidar has successfully created replicable models for rainwater harvesting and soil moisture conservation. The initiatives contribute to drought resilience, improved crop yields, and long-term sustainability.

Static GK Tip: Gabion structures are cages filled with stones, used to prevent soil erosion and manage water flow in hilly areas.

Replication Potential

Bidar’s model underlines the effectiveness of combining traditional knowledge with modern water management techniques. Other districts can adopt these measures to tackle water scarcity, promote groundwater recharge, and ensure community engagement in resource management.

Static GK fact: MGNREGA, launched in 2005, provides guaranteed wage employment for rural households and supports rural infrastructure development, including water conservation works.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Award Recognition for Bidar: