Relevance for Banking, SSC & RBI Grade B exams: Polity & Governance

Shri Tokhan Sahu, Minister of State (Housing and Urban Affairs), recently chaired a review meeting on the Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM) program under AMRUT 2.0, emphasizing the need to enhance community participation in the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is supporting 75 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) nationwide in planning and implementing scientific groundwater recharge interventions to strengthen urban water security and reduce urban flooding risks. During the review, it was noted that under SAM 2.0, 870 sites have been mapped for key groundwater properties, and 539 Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) with an estimated cost exceeding ₹28 crore have been prepared for implementing groundwater recharge structures. Shri Sahu also reviewed the achievements of SAM 1.0, a pilot initiative implemented in ten AMRUT cities between 2022 and 2024, which demonstrated the effectiveness of scientific groundwater management, including improved groundwater levels, increased institutional capacity, and public awareness on sustainable water conservation practices, laying the foundation for the nationwide expansion of SAM 2.0. He urged officials to document and promote indigenous, community-led water conservation practices while also advancing modern groundwater recharge technologies, stressing that public participation is crucial for the program’s long-term sustainability and success.

This development is highly relevant for Banking, SSC, and RBI Grade B aspirants, particularly in the Polity & Governance section. It highlights government initiatives like AMRUT 2.0 and ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign, which are crucial for understanding India’s policy framework on urban development, water resource management, and environmental sustainability. Questions may arise regarding the objectives of these missions, the role of various ministries (e.g., Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs), and the implementation strategies, including community participation and scientific groundwater management. Furthermore, the mention of financial figures like the ₹28 crore estimated cost for DPRs can be relevant for general awareness questions related to government expenditure on infrastructure and environmental projects, while the involvement of institutions like the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) points to the collaborative governance model. Aspirants should also note the emphasis on “Jan Andolan” (people’s movement) for water conservation, reflecting a broader governmental approach to public engagement in national programs.

Source: PIB (Press Information Bureau)

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