Bihar’s 4 Districts Rank in the Top 10 in Jal Jeevan Survekshan 2023 | Bihar | 06 Apr 2023

Why in News?

On 4 April 2023, Samastipur district of Bihar got the first place in the country in the nationwide ranking released for January under the Jal Jeevan Survekshan 2023 by the Central Government's Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. Whereas in this survey, Bihar's Sheikhpura is in the second position, Supaul in the third and Banka district in the fourth position.

Key Points

• It is to be known that this work is mainly being done at the district level with the joint cooperation of PHED and the Panchayat Raj Department. At the same time, the central government has kept the ranking of 4 other districts at one to ten. Where the work of every household tap water scheme is being done at the fastest rate.
• Along the lines of the cleanliness survey in the state, the Center has also started a water supply survey every month. In this, feedback is being taken from the beneficiaries regarding the purity of water. Through this, the Central Government is assessing the condition of drinking water in all the villages of the country. District and state rankings are released monthly and annually by the central government, in this survey five districts of Bihar are at the top.
• This survey was mainly done on four points, in which the availability of tap water in the homes of rural families, the quantity of water available from the tap, the quality of water, the continuity of water supply and the complaints related to drinking water were edited only on the parameters.
• The data of all the states will be seen on the dashboard of the central government. On the other hand, how tap water works in Bihar, other states will be informed about how Bihar has worked in the water supply scheme.
• Before starting the survey, it was decided in the meeting of all the states that the work done here would be used as a model in other states. Where the least work has been done so far.
• Top ten ranking in this survey-
  • Samastipur (Bihar)
  • Sheikhpura (Bihar)
  • Supaul (Bihar)
  • Banka (Bihar)
  • Vellore (Tamil Nadu)
  • Sirmaur (Himachal Pradesh)
  • Dehradun (Uttarakhand)
  • Annambaya (Andhra Pradesh)
  • Lakhisarai (Bihar)
  • Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh)

Fragrant Marcha rice of West Champaran got a GI tag | Bihar | 06 Apr 2023

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on 4 April 2023, the fragrant Marcha / Mercha paddy of Bihar's West Champaran district has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Key Points

• Significantly, this indigenous variety of paddy is produced only in the West Champaran region of Bihar. This information has been published in GI Journal.
• Now only the progressive group, which has applied for the GI tag, is yet to get the GI tag certificate formally. The certificate will be available in August.
• Marcha / Mercha The shape of this special variety of paddy is similar to that of black pepper. This paddy is very aromatic and tasty. The fragrant Flattened rice (Chiwda) made from this has a reputation in the country.
• Its producing areas are Mainatand, Gaunaha, Narkatiaganj, Ramnagar, and Chanpatia blocks of West Champaran district. Its average yield is 20-25 quintals per hectare. The plant of this paddy is tall. Its yield is ready in 145-150 days. In this way, out of 18 blocks of West Champaran, it is cultivated in six blocks.
• It is worth mentioning that before this the products of agriculture and horticulture of Bihar- Zardalu mango, Katarni rice of Bhagalpur, Shahi litchi of Muzaffarpur, Magahi paan of Magadh region and Makhana of Mithila have got GI tag.
• Apart from this, Manjusha art, Sujani Embroidery work, Applique Khatwa work, Sikki grass products, Bhagalpuri silk, Madhubani painting and Silav’s Khaja have also got GI tags.
• The identity of the product concerned with getting the GI tag is recognized on a global scale. Exports are encouraged. This improves the economic condition of the farmers. The product gets better value. By getting the GI tag, the government cooperates with the farmers in the direction of protection and conservation of the product and agro-tourism also increases.