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Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Over 56,000 people trained in water conservation techniques in Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh government has launched an ambitious grassroots initiative titled 'Mor Gaon Mor Pani' (My Village, My Water) under which till now more than 56,000 villagers, panchayat representatives, and field workers across Chhattisgarh have been trained in water conservation techniques, officials said. The campaign was launched on Panchayati Raj Day (April 24, 2025), and aims to reverse the alarming decline in groundwater levels across districts like Bemetara, Bastar, Surguja, and Raigarh. According to Jaldoot App data, villages such as Khari Gram Panchayat in Bemetara have seen water tables drop from 1.9 meters in 2024 to 5.1 meters in 2025—a trend mirrored across thousands of habitations. 'The Panchayat and Rural Development Department has divided the state into 626 clusters to streamline implementation of the campaign. So far, 56,112 individuals, including villagers, elected panchayat representatives, officials, and field workers, have undergone training in water conservation and resource management,' said Principal Secretary Niharika Barik. Barik further said that in 9,053 Gram Panchayats, current groundwater levels are being publicly displayed through wall writings to spread awareness. Meanwhile, 7,607 Panchayats have held rallies, cultural events, and slogan-writing campaigns to engage citizens in the cause. Officials said that many effective water conservation techniques are implemented under the campaign to tackle the rural water crisis, which include construction and renovation of water bodies such as stop dams, check dams, recharge pits, ponds, and farm ponds to enhance groundwater recharge and rainwater harvesting. Village-specific water management plans are being developed using GIS-based mapping of traditional and potential water sources. Public awareness is being raised through wall writings displaying groundwater levels in villages and over 56,000 individuals, including officials and villagers, have been trained in sustainable water management practices. 'Recognising the pivotal role of women in resource stewardship, the campaign is working closely with Self Help Groups (SHGs) to lead the charge at the community level. The program also incorporates GIS-based mapping to identify and plan around existing and potential water sources. Village-level action plans are being tailored to local topography for maximum impact,' Barik added. Under convergence with MGNREGA and allied schemes, the government has drawn up 37,090 water-related projects for 2025–26 which include stop dams, check dams, pond renovation, recharge pits, and farm ponds—with all works scheduled under a time-bound employment-generating plan. Ground activity has already commenced in every Gram Panchayat. In a parallel campaign, 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam', the state plans to plant 13 lakh trees this year. District-level preparations are underway to support the effort, officials said. Each village will also set up a Water Conservation Committee, responsible for project execution, monitoring, and community coordination. Gram Panchayats and Gram Sabhas are at the center of decision-making, ensuring grassroots involvement, Barik added. Officials said the state is currently facing a serious water crisis due to excessive groundwater extraction, climate change, and unsustainable agricultural practices. Districts like Dhamtari, Bemetara, and Raipur have reported a sharp decline in groundwater levels, primarily because of over-dependence on borewells and water-intensive crops like paddy. Uneven rainfall patterns and reduced natural recharge have further worsened the situation, affecting both rural and urban areas, officials added.
Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Indian Express
Panchkula: To make city safer for women, police deploy female cops at 58 hotspots and 9 bus routes
In a bid to prioritise women's safety, Panchkula Police Commissioner Sibash Kabiraj has ordered the deployment of female police personnel at all 58 identified hotspots and on nine major bus routes across the district. The directive came during a high-level crime control and law enforcement review meeting held on Friday at the Commissioner's office in Mansa Devi Complex. The meeting was attended by DCP Panchkula Himadri Kaushik, DCP Crime and Traffic Amit Dahiya, all ACPs, Crime Branch in-charges, traffic officers, and officials from various police departments. The agenda focused on improving crime prevention strategies, strengthening law and order, boosting women's security, and intensifying anti-drug efforts. Kabiraj stressed that complaints must be acted upon within 15 days, and complainant feedback will be used to evaluate officers' performance. SHOs were instructed to take personal responsibility for every case under their jurisdiction. In addition to bolstering women's safety, the Commissioner ordered the four law and order companies — Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta — to stay fully alert with anti-riot gear and receive regular training. Special deployment of tear gas-trained units and SWAT teams will be ensured. To support victims of crimes against women, especially under the POCSO Act, female officers at the inspector level will provide counseling from the initial stage of the investigation. Feedback from the victim will be actively monitored. Emphasising modern policing, Kabiraj highlighted that smart work, alongside dedicated effort, is essential to effective crime control. He also issued orders for increased patrolling, strict vigilance on extortionists, monitoring of bail jumpers, and a crackdown on repeat offenders. Meanwhile, under the campaign 'Drug-Free and Violence-Free – My Village, My Pride', the Commissioner directed police to identify drug addicts, provide counseling and medical help, and intensify operations against drug peddlers in all marked hotspots. Further, police have been tasked with reducing incidents of vehicle theft and snatching through focused strategies and timely action. Officers and personnel have been warned of strict consequences for any lapses in implementing these directive
