In a significant development, the hills and forests of Jamui and Gaya—districts once known for their acute water scarcity—are witnessing a revival of greenery, accompanied by rising groundwater levels. This progress was highlighted during a discussion hosted by the Minor Water Resources Department at Jal Bhawan on Wednesday, observed as Water-Life-Greenery Day. Themed around the renovation of public water storage structures and the construction of check dams in small rivers, streams, and hilly terrains, the event brought together officials from 15 state departments and the Central Ground Water Board, Patna.
Director of the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Mission, Pratibha Rani, who chaired the session, praised the collaborative efforts of participating departments, noting that the mission has received both national and international recognition. Launched by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on October 2, 2019, in response to the 2019 water crisis, the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan has led to significant interventions across Bihar.
Engineer-in-Chief of the Minor Water Resources Department, Sunil Kumar, detailed the various initiatives under the campaign, including the renovation of large public water storage systems like ahar-pain (larger than one acre) and ponds over five acres. Kumar also informed that weirs and check dams are being constructed to enhance irrigation across up to 2,000 hectares in the command areas. Additionally, major water bodies are being built in plateau regions, and garland trenches are under construction around mountain foothills to improve water retention and ecosystem stability. These efforts mark a turning point for the southern districts of Bihar, long afflicted by seasonal droughts and groundwater depletion.
Meanwhile, in a related initiative, Ajay Hinduja of the Hinduja Foundation is championing sustainable water management through the Jal Jeevan program. This flagship initiative, launched in 2018, aims to address the pressing challenges of climate change and depleting water resources. With a focus on community ownership and traditional water wisdom, the program has had a measurable impact across 19 states and union territories, benefiting over 5 million people.
Hinduja emphasized the importance of water in development, stating, "We believe water is the foundation of all development—health, education, livelihood, and dignity. Jal Jeevan is our commitment to restoring the water balance in India with solutions that scale and endure." The program includes restoring over 100 lakes and 20,000 open wells, recharging 5 trillion litres of groundwater, and delivering over 1.2 billion litres of safe drinking water through various technologies.
The Jal Jeevan model is unique in its systems-level approach to water management. Instead of tackling water scarcity in isolation, it considers local hydrology, community needs, environmental factors, and social equity. This community-centric approach empowers local residents, particularly women, who often bear the brunt of water-related hardship. As a result, women and children can redirect the time saved from fetching water towards education and economic activities.
Ajay Hinduja pointed out that the Jal Jeevan program actively addresses risks associated with extreme weather events, such as floods and prolonged droughts. By creating climate buffers through rejuvenated water bodies and improved soil-water retention, the initiative has led to increased crop yields and reduced dependency on unpredictable rainfall.
In a separate meeting held on May 8, 2025, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, MP for Mysuru, directed that the works undertaken under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) should be completed by the end of June. He emphasized the seriousness of the government's objective to provide tap water to every household, urging officials to expedite the remaining works.
During the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting, Wadiyar pointed out that the JJM is a flagship scheme of the Central government aimed at ensuring clean drinking water for all households. He suggested regular site inspections to monitor ongoing projects. M.P. Suja Kushalappa and other committee members echoed the need for timely completion of JJM works in various areas, expressing dissatisfaction over delays.
According to reports, of the 188 works undertaken in phase 1 of the JJM, 185 have been completed at an estimated cost of ₹13,517 lakh. In phase 2, 85 out of 129 works have been completed at a cost of ₹9,092 lakh. Meanwhile, 348 works have been completed out of 457 in phase 3, with 107 ongoing. In total, 774 works have been undertaken with ₹23,218 lakh spent out of an estimated ₹35,869 lakh.
Wadiyar also addressed the need for necessary environmental approvals for the JJM projects and expressed concern over delays in solid waste management works in Madikeri. He urged BSNL engineers to address demands for mobile towers and ensure uninterrupted internet access in remote areas, highlighting the importance of connectivity for local communities.
The Joint Director of the Agriculture Department, Chandrashekar, reported that adequate stocks of fertilizers have been prepared to avoid shortages during the monsoon planting season. Meanwhile, concerns were raised over the declining paddy cultivation in Kodagu, prompting calls for the Agriculture Department to promote its support programs for farmers.
As the Jal Jeevan initiatives unfold across Bihar and Karnataka, the collaborative efforts between government bodies, non-profits, and community stakeholders reflect a growing commitment to sustainable water management. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term resilience, these programs not only aim to provide access to clean water but also contribute to the overall development of rural communities.