In rural areas, hand pumps, which accounted for 42.9 per cent usage, was the most relied principal source of drinking water. Photo: Salahuddin
In rural areas, hand pumps, which accounted for 42.9 per cent usage, was the most relied principal source of drinking water. Photo: Salahuddin

Water-stressed in India: Reports from the districts

Down To Earth hot the ground at water-stressed districts that were adjudged the best and worst in water conservation works under Jal Shakti Abhiyan by the Union government. Our reporters returned with some new experiments, learning points and the sense that a lot was left to be done.
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From Kakatiya mission in 2016 to Jal Shakti Abhiyan in 2019 — how de-silting of Pedda Cheruvu tank helped fix groundwater levels
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The district ranked third in terms of water-conservation works under Jal Shakti Abhiyan
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The Andhra Pradesh district, that was ranked first, could do even better if local officials are given freedom to choose, they say
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Several residents in district's Sathankulam block have shifted to nearby cities
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Bengaluru’s water woes and rapidly-depleting groundwater reserves led to it getting an abysmal 200th rank
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Palakkad ranked 219th in Jal Shakti Abhiyan despite more than 2,300 mm rain annually
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Locals claim they have enough water; Down to Earth found farmers extracted millions of litres of ground water every day through illegal pumps
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Most structures claimed to be built under campaign don't reflect reality
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Construction of bunds helped revive groundwater levels and recharged wells in drought-stricken Bundelkhand district
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The district, which receives surplus rainfall, has repaired traditional mud bunds, desiltation of rivers and reviving old canals
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The contrast in the districts’ JSA rankings was due to proper implementation of schemes
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Mismanagement of supply and cultivation of paddy and maize to cause change
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The district scored zero in some Jal Shakti Abhiyan indicators
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UP district was among 10 worst perfomers in water conservation work
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As farmers could not sow paddy due to water scarcity, Jal Shakti Abhiyan officials urged them to plant other crops
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No funds released under Jal Shakti Abhiyan, MGNREGS works incomplete: District officials
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The north Karnataka drought-prone district scored poorly under JSA
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