NewKerala.com

Key Points

The government has launched a new policy to prioritize water security in rural areas. It requires a fixed percentage of MGNREGA funds to be spent on water conservation based on a block's stress level. The initiative is framed as a continuation of Prime Minister Modi's long-term focus on water issues. This move aims to proactively address groundwater depletion and ensure long-term water sustainability.

Key Points: Modi Govt Launches National Water Security Initiative for Rural Blocks

  • Mandates 65% MGNREGA funds for water works in over-exploited blocks
  • Links water conservation directly to PM Modi's long-standing commitment
  • Aims to shift water management from reactive to a preventive approach
  • Builds on existing successes like Amrit Sarovar and Catch the Rain campaigns
3 min read

Govt launches water security initiative in stressed rural blocks

The Union government mandates minimum MGNREGA fund allocation for water conservation in stressed rural blocks to combat groundwater depletion and ensure water security.

"“PM Modi has always given water conservation the highest priority... a very important and historic decision.” - C.R. Paatil, Jal Shakti Minister"

New Delhi, Sep 25

The Union government on Thursday launched the ‘National Initiative on Water Security’ to give precedence to water-related works in water-stressed rural blocks, an official said.

The initiative makes a minimum expenditure on water conservation and harvesting activities mandatory in rural blocks, said an official of the Jal Shakti Ministry in a statement.

The policy was launched jointly by Union Minister for Rural Development, and Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil.

Chouhan said that groundwater levels are continuously depleting and water has become one of the biggest global challenges.

He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been committed to water conservation since his tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and has led numerous initiatives to underline its importance.

The Prime Minister has given the nation direction through campaigns like ‘Catch the Rain’, rainwater harvesting, and the construction of ‘Amrit Sarovars’, he said.

He added that the Prime Minister had instructed in a meeting of the Council of Ministers that a fixed portion of MGNREGA funds must be earmarked for water conservation.

He said now in ‘over-exploited’ blocks, 65 per cent of MGNREGA funds will be used for water-related works; in ‘semi-critical’ blocks 40 per cent of MGNREGA funds will be spent on water conservation and in blocks without water scarcity at least 30 per cent of funds will go towards water-related works.

He said MGNREGA resources will now be channelled with priority into water conservation, boosting groundwater recharge and accelerating conservation drives.

This policy decision will ensure that resources are directed to the areas of greatest need, shifting the approach from reactive to preventive and long-term water management, he said.

Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil highlighted the importance of the initiative, saying: “PM Modi has always given water conservation the highest priority. Under his visionary leadership, the Council of Ministers has taken a very important and historic decision.”

Since 2014, MGNREGA has become the world’s largest social welfare programme, with an expenditure of about Rs 8.4 lakh crore and the generation of over 3,000 crore person-days of employment. Notably, women’s participation has risen from 48 per cent in 2014 to 58 per cent in 2025.

Under the scheme, more than 1.25 crore water conservation assets such as farm ponds, check dams, and community tanks have been created.

These efforts have yielded tangible results, reducing the number of water-stressed rural blocks. In addition, under ‘Mission Amrit Sarovar’, more than 68,000 reservoirs have been constructed or rejuvenated in the first phase alone.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Good policy but implementation is key. In our block, many water conservation projects remain incomplete. Hope there's proper monitoring this time. The increased women's participation in MGNREGA is encouraging though! 💪
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Aditya G
Excellent move! Water security is fundamental to rural development. The tiered approach based on water stress levels shows thoughtful planning. More power to such initiatives that address core issues facing our villages.
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Sarah B
As someone working in rural development, I appreciate the data-driven approach. 1.25 crore water assets created is impressive! However, maintenance of these structures is equally important - hope that's part of the plan too.
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Karthik V
Finally! Our farmers have been struggling with water issues for too long. The 'Catch the Rain' campaign has shown good results in our area. This expanded focus will help many more villages. Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan! 🇮🇳
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Michael C
While the initiative sounds promising, I'm concerned about the bureaucratic hurdles. In many states, MGNREGA funds get delayed or misused. Hope there's transparency in how these water conservation funds are utilized.
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Neha E
Great to see women's participation increasing to 58%! When women are involved

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