Centre to launch 'Jal Gram' scheme next year: Uma

Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharati today said that the Centre will launch the Jal Gram (Water Village) Scheme in 2015.
"There will be one Gram (village) in every district, which will be taken as a pilot project and the village with poorest indicators of water availability will be chosen," Bharati told reporters on the concluding day of the three day Jal Manthan conference here.
Stating that works for the project has already commenced, she added that the scheme will be initially launched as a pilot project titled "Hamara Zila Hamara Jal".
Earlier, addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Minister said that nodal agencies of the ministry will organise the programme along with the participation of local bodies.

Exhorting scientists, NGOs and voluntary organisations to participate in the programme, she further said that the contribution of these entities will help in mapping the respective districts for the scheme.
"The results of the mapping will be assessed and towards the end of 2015-16. I am sure we will be able to formulate the roadmap for the project," Bharati said.
She further said that the Ministry plans to take the help of the local MPs, MLAs and the Gram Panchayats for the project.
A booklet containing suggestions and conclusions of the Ganga Manthan, a national dialogue on Ganga Rejuvenation held in July this year was also launched on the occasion.