Odisha Government Urges Urban Bodies to Accelerate Groundwater Recharge Initiative
The Housing and Urban Development Department of Odisha has issued a crucial directive to all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the state, mandating an immediate escalation in the implementation of the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 2.0 programme. The department has set a clear target for each ULB to establish a minimum of 10,000 artificial groundwater recharge structures before the conclusion of March.
Statewide Push for Water Conservation Targets
This urgent instruction follows a communication from the Engineer-in-Chief of Water Resources, emphasizing the need for rapid progress and timely data submission on the dedicated portal of the Jal Shakti Ministry. The JSJB 2.0 initiative, which was officially launched in September 2024, is now entering its final implementation phase, with the cycle scheduled to conclude in March 2026.
Odisha has been assigned a substantial statewide target of 2.6 lakh (260,000) recharge structures. According to official records, as of now, 64,380 structures have been successfully uploaded by 30 districts. The recent letter from the department highlights a significant gap that must be bridged in the remaining weeks, stressing the urgency of accelerated action.
High-Level Monitoring and Coordination Efforts
In the directive, Lingaraj Gouda, the Engineer-in-Chief, explicitly stated, "As this is being monitored at the highest level, you are once again requested to convene a meeting involving district-level officers of all stakeholder departments and block development officers to sensitise and upload the data in the JSJB 2.0 sub-portal at the earliest." The letter further clarified the critical role of municipal bodies in achieving the state's overall objective, reiterating that every municipal body is expected to establish at least 10,000 recharge structures within its jurisdiction.
To facilitate this massive undertaking, the Water Resources Department has deployed nodal officers to coordinate with district administrations and provide technical assistance to ULBs. These officers are tasked with helping resolve issues related to site selection and data uploads. The directive advises, "The nodal officers of respective districts may be contacted for any technical guidance in this regard."
Upcoming Review and Future Steps
A comprehensive review meeting on the JSJB 2.0 program is scheduled for later in February, to be chaired by the Engineer-in-Chief. This meeting aims to assess the progress made by all ULBs and districts, ensuring accountability and transparency in the implementation process.
With the March deadline rapidly approaching, the department has underscored the necessity for coordinated action and timely reporting to ensure Odisha meets its ambitious groundwater recharge targets. This initiative represents a significant step towards sustainable water management and environmental conservation in the state, addressing critical water scarcity challenges through community participation and governmental oversight.
