Patil Reviews JSJB 2.0 Progress In Water-Stressed Districts

31 Dec 2025 CW Team

The review centred on Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 2.0, which targets the creation of one crore artificial recharge and water storage structures by 31 May 2026. The Minister stressed the need to accelerate conservation works in water-stressed districts to strengthen long-term water security and ensure sustainable groundwater sources.

Patil noted that 65 per cent of MGNREGA funds in over-exploited and critical blocks have been earmarked for water-related works. He added that 15 additional water conservation and groundwater recharge activities have now been permitted under MGNREGA exclusively for over-exploited, critical and semi-critical districts. These include recharge shafts, injection wells, filtration ponds, artificial wetlands, renovation of traditional water bodies and spring collection chambers.

District administrations were advised to use scientific feasibility maps prepared by BISAG, leverage technical support from the Central Ground Water Board, and ensure convergence across schemes for faster execution. Collectors were urged to prioritise measurable outcomes and adhere to timely reporting.

Top-performing districts under JSJB 2.0—Banaskantha in Gujarat, Salem in Tamil Nadu and Barmer in Rajasthan—shared best practices, highlighting strong community participation, scientific planning and rapid implementation.

The Ministry reiterated that JSJB 2.0 follows a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, aiming to scale up water conservation efforts nationwide through active public participation.

Union Minister of Jal Shakti C R Patil on Tuesday interacted with District Collectors and District Development Officers from 124 over-exploited and critical districts, as identified in the 2024 national groundwater assessment, to review progress on water conservation initiatives. Ministers of State V. Somanna and Dr Raj Bhushan Choudhary also attended the meeting, along with Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, V L Kantha Rao, and senior officials from the Ministries of Jal Shakti and Rural Development. The review centred on Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 2.0, which targets the creation of one crore artificial recharge and water storage structures by 31 May 2026. The Minister stressed the need to accelerate conservation works in water-stressed districts to strengthen long-term water security and ensure sustainable groundwater sources. Patil noted that 65 per cent of MGNREGA funds in over-exploited and critical blocks have been earmarked for water-related works. He added that 15 additional water conservation and groundwater recharge activities have now been permitted under MGNREGA exclusively for over-exploited, critical and semi-critical districts. These include recharge shafts, injection wells, filtration ponds, artificial wetlands, renovation of traditional water bodies and spring collection chambers. District administrations were advised to use scientific feasibility maps prepared by BISAG, leverage technical support from the Central Ground Water Board, and ensure convergence across schemes for faster execution. Collectors were urged to prioritise measurable outcomes and adhere to timely reporting. Top-performing districts under JSJB 2.0—Banaskantha in Gujarat, Salem in Tamil Nadu and Barmer in Rajasthan—shared best practices, highlighting strong community participation, scientific planning and rapid implementation. The Ministry reiterated that JSJB 2.0 follows a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, aiming to scale up water conservation efforts nationwide through active public participation.

Infrastructure Urban

31 Dec 2025

Jitendra Singh Inaugurates BRIC Secretariat In New Delhi

Ahead of the New Year, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the new Secretariat complex of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), calling it a key milestone for strengthening India’s future bioeconomy. The BRIC Secretariat office complex is located on the fourth floor of the NSIC Business Park in New Delhi. It will function as a lean coordinating mechanism to enhance collaboration among BRIC..

Infrastructure Energy

31 Dec 2025

PMO Pushes Listing Of Coal India Subsidiaries By 2030

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has directed the Ministry of Coal to map and list all subsidiaries of state-run Coal India Limited (CIL) by 2030, according to sources. The move is aimed at streamlining governance, improving accountability and unlocking value through asset monetisation within the coal public sector undertaking. Coal India Limited accounts for more than 80 per cent of India’s domestic coal production and operates through eight subsidiaries: Eastern Coalfields Limited, Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), Central Coalfields Limited, Western Coalfields Limited, South Eastern ..

Infrastructure Urban

31 Dec 2025

India, US In Talks On Pax Silica Supply Chain Alliance

India and the United States are holding discussions on New Delhi’s potential entry into Pax Silica, a US-backed silicon supply chain alliance focused on critical minerals and advanced technologies, according to US Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg. He said India could join the initiative in the first half of 2026, alongside other prospective partners, as the US-led framework expands. Pax Silica has been positioned as a strategic response to China’s growing influence in artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing. Speaking to Bloomberg, Helberg also ind..