Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari(JSJB) Initiative

• 15 Nov 2025

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

The Jal Shakti Ministry announced the 1st Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) Awards under the JSJB initiative, with Telangana topping the list for 5.2 lakh water conservation structures.  

• This initiative aligns with the PM’s vision of Jan Shakti for Jal Shakti. 

What is the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) Initiative? 

• About: Launched in September 2024 in Surat, JSJB is a community-driven program under Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR) and integrates the Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach. 
  • It promotes rooftop rainwater harvesting and reviving traditional water bodies like lakes, ponds, and stepwells. 
• Objective & Approach: It encourages the construction of artificial recharge and storage structures. 
  • It follows the 3Cs mantra – Community, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and Cost, ensuring long-term water security and resilience against water stress. 
  • States divided into five zones for implementation i.e., Northern, Eastern, Southern, Western and North- Eastern Zone & Hilly States. 
• Inter-Ministerial Collaboration: The Ministry of Jal Shakti serves as the nodal agency and has partnered with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to enhance urban water conservation efforts. 
• Decentralized Targets: 
  • Districts (General): Minimum 10,000 artificial recharge structures. 
  • Hilly/North-Eastern districts: 3,000 structures. 
  • Municipal Corporations: 10,000 structures. 
• Achievement: Against an overall target of 10 lakh structures, a remarkable 27.6 lakh structures were reported within the timeline, indicating widespread participation. 

What are India's Initiatives Related to Water Conservation? 

• National Water Policy, 2012  
• National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program (NAQUIM)  
• Mission Amrit Sarovar  
• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)  
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA)  
• Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY) 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) initiative? 
JSJB aims to promote community-driven construction and rejuvenation of artificial groundwater recharge structures under JSA: Catch the Rain to enhance water security and resilience. 

2. Name the three key mantras (3Cs) guiding the JSJB initiative. 
The initiative is driven by the 3Cs mantra: Community participation, leveraging CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), and optimizing Cost for sustainable water conservation. 

3. How did JSJB perform against its quantitative targets? 
Against a target of 10 lakh structures, JSJB reported 27.6 lakh structures—indicating widespread participation and rapid scale-up of recharge interventions. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)   

Q1. Which one of the following ancient towns is well known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs? (2021)  

(a) Dholavira  

(b) Kalibangan  

(c) Rakhigarhi  

(d) Ropar  

Ans: (a)

Q2. With reference to ‘Water Credit’, consider the following statements: (2021) 

1. It puts microfinance tools to work in the water and sanitation sector.   
2. It is a global initiative launched under the aegis of the World Health Organization and the World Bank.   
3. It aims to enable the poor people to meet their water needs without depending on subsidies.   

Which of the statements given above are correct?  

(a) 1 and 2 only  

(b) 2 and 3 only  

(c) 1 and 3 only  

(d) 1, 2 and 3  

Ans: (c)

Q3. What are the benefits of implementing the ‘Integrated Watershed Development Programme’? (2014)  

1. Prevention of soil runoff  
2. Linking the country’s perennial rivers with seasonal rivers  
3. Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table  
4. Regeneration of natural vegetation  

Select the correct answer using the code given below:   

(a) 1 and 2 only   

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only   

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only   

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4   

Ans: (c)