Lok Sabha Question No. 3936 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-19
Subject: Jal Shakti Kendras in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Shri Malaiyarasan D

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3936

## ANSWERED ON 19.12.2024

## JAL SHAKTI KENDRAS IN TAMIL NADU

## 3936.    SHRI MALAIYARASAN D

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of Jal Shakti Kendras established in Tamil Nadu including Kallakurichi Constituency;
- (b) the key objectives of the Jal Shakti Kendras and the services that are being provided to the public;
- (c) the total funds allocated for the establishment and operation of these Kendras;
- (d) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to expand the network of these Kendras to underserved and rural areas; and
- (e) the impact of these Kendras on water conservation, management and accessibility in their 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 Kallakurichi and Salem districts of Kallakurichi 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 administrations, 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  24/7.  Ideally,  these  centers  should  be  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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