Lok Sabha Question No. 1511 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-13
Subject: Jal Shakti Kendras in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Shri Tharaniventhan M S

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI

## DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1511

## ANSWERED ON 13.02.2025

## JAL SHAKTI KENDRAS IN TAMIL NADU

## 1511. SHRI THARANIVENTHAN M S

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

(a) the number of Jal Shakti Kendras established in Tamil Nadu including Arani Parliamentary Constituency;

(b) the key objectives of the Jal Shakti Kendras along with the services being provided by them to the public;

(c) the total funds allocated for the establishment and operation of the said Kendras;

(d) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to expand the network of Jal Shakti Kendras to underserved and rural areas; and

(e) the impact of the said Kendras on water conservation, management and accessibility in these regions?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI

## ( SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY )

(a) Under Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR), all the States/UTs have been requested to set up Jal Shakti Kendras (JSKs) in all the districts of the country including all the districts of Tamil Nadu. As per information  uploaded  on  JSA:  CTR  portal  (jsactr.mowr.gov.in)  by  the  State  Government,  JSKs  have  been established  in  all  the  38  districts  of  Tamil  Nadu  including  the  Viluppuram  and  Tiruvannamalai  districts  of Arani Constituency.

(b) Jal  Shakti  Kendras(JSKs)  are  set  up  with  the  objective  to  serve  as  dedicated  resource  and  knowledge centers, playing a pivotal role in water conservation efforts. They are providing comprehensive information on water-related issues, including best practices in conservation and effective water-saving techniques. Additionally,  JSKs  are  offering  expert  guidance  and  technical  support  to  local  communities  and  district administration, enabling effective water management strategies.

(c) No separate funds are allotted to States for establishment and operation  of the Kendras from Ministry of Jal  Shakti.  They are operated through pooling of resources both human and infrastructure. However, a  one time pilot grant of  Rs. 5 lakh each was released to Pali, Yadgir, Thane and Pune from Rajasthan, Karnataka and Maharashtra States respectively.

(d) As part of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR), the Ministry of Jal Shakti has requested all States and Union  Territories to establish Jal Shakti Kendras  (JSKs)  in every district, ensuring

comprehensive  coverage,  including  underserved  and  rural  areas.  According  to  the  advisory  issued  to  all States/UTs, JSKs should be set up in institutional structures that are openly and easily accessible to the public, operating  24x7.  Ideally,  these  centers  are  located  in  the  District  Magistrate's  office  or  other  places  with significant public footfall. District administrations have been encouraged to select central and well-connected locations, ensuring that residents from rural and underserved areas can access the kendras with ease.

(e) Jal Shakti Kendras (JSKs) serve as dynamic resource and knowledge hubs, driving transformative change in water conservation, management and accessibility. In addition, JSKs assist District Magistrates (DMs)/Collectors in coordinating all water-related activities within the district. They function as facilitation centers for planning, preparation and addressing water-related issues. As knowledge centers, JSKs disseminate information on critical topics such as water conservation methods, water use efficiency, groundwater policies, efficient irrigation techniques, water quality and greywater management. They also serve as technical guidance centers, offering advice and support to local communities on these matters.

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