Water Crisis Looms After Deficient Rainfall! Administration Trains 'Jaldoots' To Save Drinking Water, Monitor Wells And Hand Pumps In MP’s Jhabua

Jhabua District, Madhya Pradesh, braces for a possible drinking water shortage as rainfall remains insufficient. To combat this issue, the district administration has initiated a water management program involving Jaldoots, or water ambassadors. At a recent workshop, Collector Yogesh Tukaram Bharsat directed Jaldoots to identify, conserve, and monitor drinking water sources within the village.

Earlier, Jal Chaupals were organized in each gram panchayat to gather information on existing water sources, their availability, and alternative arrangements. Bharsat noted a significant decline in irrigation coverage - from 1.25 lakh hectares last year to 80,000 hectares this year, due to the lack of rainfall.

Jaldoots will conduct surveys of public and private wells, hand pumps, and other water sources, assess water levels, and suggest cleaning or deepening as required. They will work closely with village Patils, Tadvis, and other residents to encourage water conservation. Each gram panchayat will have one Jaldoot, while larger panchayats may have two. Extraordinary volunteers will receive rewards.

District Panchayat CEO Jitendra Singh Chauhan cautioned that unauthorized extraction of water from public sources could result in vehicle seizure and fines under the Madhya Pradesh Drinking Water Protection Act. The focus on water conservation will prioritize VB-G Ram Ji. Agriculture and Public Health Engineering departments have trained Jaldoots in water management, reporting issues, and preventing waste.

A poster detailing their responsibilities has been released. Additional District Panchayat CEO Akshay Singh Markam, PHED official Dayalu Rathore and other officials attended the workshop.