Jalaun district, once known for dry fields and water crisis, has today emerged as an example of water conservation in Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath...read more
Jagran correspondent, Lucknow. Jalaun, once known for its dry fields and deepening water crisis, has today emerged as a strong example of water conservation in Uttar Pradesh. The policies and continuous efforts of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have worked to change the fate of this district. Jalaun, which once used to struggle for every drop, today in many blocks the groundwater level has increased by 2 meters and in some places it has improved even more.
This change did not happen in a day. Thousands of water conservation structures have been built in the district over the years. From check dams to revived ponds to farm ponds built in the fields, all these have created a strong water recharge infrastructure in Jalaun. Rain water has now started collecting and going into the ground, due to which the ground water is being continuously recharged.
In many parts of Jalaun, farmers were not able to get groundwater for irrigation at the time of need. But today, due to better water table, tube well pumping hours have increased by 1 to 5 times in many blocks. Due to improvement in power supply and increase in groundwater level, farmers are now able to extract water for 2 to 3 additional hours. This has reduced irrigation costs and stabilized agricultural cycles.
Yogi government did commendable work
Vidya, a resident of village Said Nagar under Jalaun district, says that Yogi ji's government has done very commendable work in the matter of water. Where the irrigation system has been improved for farming, we women no longer have to go from far away to get water. We all are extremely grateful to the government for the great work it has done.
Availability of water has given a new direction to agriculture. There has been a sharp increase in the area and yield of crops like paddy and millet in Kharif, while Rabi production has also improved. Under the Bundelkhand package, the production of pulses and oilseed crops has increased by 20 to 30 percent, which has provided a stable and reliable source of income to the farmers.
Beyond agriculture, its positive impact is visible at the social level as well. कभी बुंदेलखंड के अन्य इलाकों की तरह जालौन भी मौसमी पलायन की समस्या से जूझता था। Due to increase in water availability, stabilization of crops and reduction in uncertainty, there has been a huge reduction in migration. Farmers have regained confidence that their land will sustain them in both Kharif and Rabi seasons.
Important role of participation of general public
Participation of the general public has also played an important role in this success. Programs like Jal Panchayats and Paani Pathashalas have increased a sense of local ownership and made water conservation a community movement rather than a government scheme. This collective achievement was honored at the national level when Jalaun was chosen as the best district of the North Region in the National Water Awards 2024.
This is a proud achievement in the journey from scarcity to prosperity. This story of Jalaun shows what a difference sustained policy community partnership and determined governance can make. The efficient leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his compassion towards the people of Bundelkhand region has set a historic example in the matter of water revolution.
Water revolution in Jalaun: Ground water improved due to policies of Yogi government, ground water level increased by two meters in the district, luck of farmers improved.
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