CURRENT AFFAIRS | JUNE 3, 2026
Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil announced that the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) initiative has crossed a historic milestone — 1.5 crore artificial groundwater recharge and storage structures have been built across India. Launched by PM Modi on September 6, 2024, JSJB is the flagship of the ‘Water-Secure India’ vision and operates through a CSR-civic-industrial partnership model.
Constitutional & Statutory Framework
- Article 21: Right to water recognised in Subhash Kumar v State of Bihar (1991).
- Article 48A & 51A(g): Environment protection — DPSP and Fundamental Duty.
- Seventh Schedule: Water — List II Entry 17 (State); interstate rivers — List I Entry 56 (Union).
- Article 262: Adjudication of inter-State river water disputes.
- Predecessor schemes: Atal Bhujal Yojana (2019), Jal Jeevan Mission, PMKSY-Watershed Development.
Top States by Structures Built
| Andhra Pradesh | 31.45 lakh |
| Chhattisgarh | 27.13 lakh |
| Madhya Pradesh | 24.69 lakh |
| Telangana | over 21 lakh |
| Rajasthan | 9.47 lakh |
| Bihar | 6.78 lakh |
| National Total | 1.5 crore structures |
CLAT Angle — Legal Reasoning Hooks
- Right to Water as a Fundamental Right: Article 21 jurisprudence from Subhash Kumar (1991) to Narmada Bachao Andolan (2000).
- Cooperative federalism: Water as a quintessential State subject with Centre acting as facilitator — Article 263, Inter-State Council.
- Public Trust Doctrine: MC Mehta v Kamal Nath (1997) — natural resources held in trust by the State.
- CSR linkage: Section 135 Companies Act 2013 funding flowing into JSJB structures.
Mnemonic — ‘RECHARGE’
Rain harvesting · Each district 5+ villages · CSR + civic + industry · Har Ghar Jal linkage · Aquifer recharge · Record 1.5 crore structures · Ground water focus · Endorsed Sept 6, 2024
Why It Matters for CLAT 2027
JSJB is a high-probability GK and Legal Reasoning topic — expect questions on Article 21 right to water, federalism in water governance, Atal Bhujal Yojana, and Public Trust Doctrine. The scheme also intersects with Companies Act CSR provisions.
Test Your Knowledge
Practice Quiz — 10 CLAT-Style Questions
Click an option to reveal the answer and explanation.
