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Haryana Launches Rs 5,715 Crore Water Security Plan with World Bank Backing

Haryana has taken a decisive step forward with its ambitious 'Water Secure Haryana' programme, chaired by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi in a meeting with a World Bank Appraisal Mission. The six-year, Rs 5,715 crore initiative, including a Rs 4,000 crore World Bank loan, aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural water use. It will be implemented across 15 clusters covering nearly 49 lakh acres through a coordinated effort of key state departments. The programme focuses on structural transformation using modern technology, real-time monitoring, and farmer-centric interventions to promote water-saving practices.

Key Points: Haryana's Rs 5,715 Crore Water Secure Programme with World Bank

  • Rs 5,715 crore total outlay
  • Rs 4,000 crore World Bank loan
  • Covers 48.94 lakh acres
  • Focus on data-driven water management
  • Promotes crop diversification
2 min read

Haryana aims towards water sustainability with World Bank funds

Haryana's ambitious 'Water Secure Haryana' programme, backed by a Rs 4,000 crore World Bank loan, aims to transform agricultural water use across 15 clusters.

"bring a structural transformation in water governance - Satbir Singh Kadian"

Chandigarh, April 9

In a significant push towards long-term water sustainability, Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting with the World Bank Appraisal Mission, marking a decisive step forward in the implementation of the ambitious 'Water Secure Haryana' programme.

The programme, with a total outlay of Rs 5,715 crore, including a Rs 4,000 crore World Bank loan, is aimed at improving the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of agricultural water use across the state.

Planned over a six-year period, the initiative represents a comprehensive and structured effort to strengthen water management systems in the state. The project will be implemented through a coordinated approach involving the Irrigation and Water Resources Department, which has been allocated Rs 3,328 crore, the Micro-Irrigation and Command Area Development Authority with an outlay of Rs 1,500 crore, and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, which will utilise Rs 887 crore.

This convergence of departments is expected to ensure integrated planning and effective execution.

Satbir Singh Kadian, Engineer in Chief, Irrigation and Water Resources Department, informed that the programme has been designed to bring a structural transformation in water governance by leveraging modern technology, strengthening institutions and promoting farmer-centric interventions.

It will be implemented across 15 clusters covering 48.94 lakh acres, benefiting a significant portion of the state's cultivable command area.

A key focus of the initiative is the adoption of data-driven water management systems, including digital databases and real-time monitoring mechanisms, to improve irrigation efficiency and service delivery.

The programme also emphasises sustainable agricultural practices, including crop diversification and the promotion of water-saving techniques such as direct-seeded rice.

With strong administrative backing, global financial support and a clearly defined implementation roadmap, the 'Water Secure Haryana' programme is poised to emerge as a model for sustainable water management and agricultural resilience in the country.

Additional Chief Secretary (Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare) Vijayendra Kumar, Principal Secretary (Architecture) Pankaj Agarwal, Commissioner and Secretary (Excise and Taxation) Ashima Brar, and other senior officers were present at the meeting.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Rs 5,715 crore is a massive investment. While the intent is good, my only concern is the execution. We have seen big funds get allocated before, but the ground-level impact is often minimal. I hope there is strict monitoring and accountability for every rupee spent, especially the World Bank loan.
S
Satbir Singh Kadian
As someone from the farming community in Sirsa, promoting direct-seeded rice and micro-irrigation is crucial. But the government must also ensure MSP for alternative crops like maize or pulses. Farmers won't shift unless it's profitable. The programme must address the economics, not just the technology.
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Ananya R
Great to see a coordinated approach between different departments! Usually, they work in silos. If this convergence actually happens on the ground, it can be a game-changer. The use of real-time monitoring tech sounds promising. Hope it creates skilled jobs locally too.
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David E
Working on water projects in India before. The scale here is impressive. The World Bank's involvement usually brings in international best practices and stricter audit trails. This could be a template for other water-stressed states like Punjab and Rajasthan. Key will be community participation.
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Vikram M
Finally some action! We read about the water crisis every summer. 48 lakh acres is a huge area to cover. Hope they start with the most critical blocks first. Also, public awareness campaigns are needed so that every citizen understands the value of water. Jai Haryana!

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