Overview:
- Initiative Name: Nari Shakti Se Jal Shakti (Women Power for Water Empowerment)
- Focus: Engaging women in water conservation efforts and leveraging their leadership in managing water resources.
- Aim: Addressing India’s severe water crisis by empowering women to lead community-based water conservation initiatives.
Relevance : GS 2(Governance )
Context of Water Crisis:
- Water Shortage: India is facing a significant water crisis, with 40% of its population expected to lack access to clean drinking water by 2030.
- Agricultural Dependency: 80% of India’s water is used for agriculture, which is vulnerable to erratic monsoons.
- Economic Impact: The global water crisis is projected to cause financial losses, with lower-income countries potentially facing GDP losses of up to 15% by 2050.
Role of Women in Water Conservation:
- Traditional Role: Women, particularly in rural areas, are traditionally responsible for water-related tasks such as fetching water and managing household water use.
- Leadership: Women’s influence in rural communities allows them to effectively mobilize others and drive water conservation practices.
Key Components of the Initiative:
- Water-Saving Practices: Women-led groups advocate for and implement water-saving strategies such as reducing water wastage and protecting natural water bodies.
- Sustainable Solutions: The initiative ensures that water conservation efforts are sustainable and have long-lasting impacts on local communities.
Global Impact and Alignment:
- Sustainable Development Goals: The initiative contributes to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by empowering women and improving access to water.
Case Studies of Success:
- Rajasthan: Women-led groups have revived traditional water bodies and built check dams, improving groundwater levels and ensuring year-round water availability.
- Maharashtra: Women have promoted micro–irrigation techniques, reducing water usage in agriculture and increasing crop yields.
- Himachal Pradesh: Women are actively involved in rainwater harvesting projects, securing a steady water supply during dry periods.
Broader Impact:
- Water Security: The initiative addresses the critical need for water conservation, ensuring that future generations have reliable access to water.
- Gender Equality: It simultaneously promotes gender equality by involving women in decision-making and leadership roles in water management.
Conclusion:
The Nari Shakti Se Jal Shakti initiative showcases the transformative power of women in solving pressing environmental challenges.
Source : Down to Earth
