Has the Govt Launched a Water Security Initiative in Stressed Rural Blocks?
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Synopsis
In a significant move towards addressing water scarcity, the Indian government has launched the ‘National Initiative on Water Security’, emphasizing the need for focused water conservation efforts in rural areas suffering from water stress. This initiative is poised to reshape water management policies across the nation.
Key Takeaways
- The initiative mandates minimum spending on water conservation in stressed rural blocks.
- 65% of MGNREGA funds will target water-related projects in over-exploited areas.
- Prime Minister Modi emphasizes proactive water management.
- Women’s participation in MGNREGA has significantly increased.
- Over 68,000 reservoirs have been constructed under Mission Amrit Sarovar.
New Delhi, Sep 25 (NationPress) On Thursday, the Union government unveiled the ‘National Initiative on Water Security’ aimed at prioritizing water-related projects in areas suffering from water scarcity, as stated by an official.
This initiative mandates a minimum allocation for water conservation and harvesting activities in rural blocks, according to a statement from the Jal Shakti Ministry.
Jointly introduced by Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil, the policy addresses critical water issues.
Chouhan emphasized that the depletion of groundwater levels is a pressing concern, highlighting that water scarcity is one of the most significant challenges globally.
He pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has long been dedicated to water conservation, initiating various projects since his time as Chief Minister of Gujarat.
The Prime Minister's leadership has driven campaigns such as ‘Catch the Rain’, promoting rainwater harvesting and the establishment of ‘Amrit Sarovars’.
In a recent Council of Ministers meeting, the Prime Minister instructed that a designated portion of MGNREGA funds be allocated specifically for water conservation efforts.
In areas categorized as ‘over-exploited’, 65 percent of MGNREGA funds will now be directed towards water projects; in ‘semi-critical’ areas, 40 percent will be allocated, and in regions without water scarcity, at least 30 percent will be utilized for water-related initiatives.
This strategic allocation aims to channel MGNREGA resources towards water conservation, enhancing groundwater recharge and accelerating conservation activities.
According to Chouhan, this decision will ensure that resources are effectively directed to where they are most needed, transitioning from a reactive to a proactive and sustainable approach to water management.
Highlighting the significance of this initiative, Minister Paatil remarked that under PM Modi's visionary leadership, the Council of Ministers has made a crucial and historic decision regarding water conservation.
Since 2014, MGNREGA has evolved into the world’s largest social welfare program, with expenditures reaching approximately Rs 8.4 lakh crore and the creation of over 3,000 crore person-days of employment. Notably, women’s participation has increased from 48 percent in 2014 to 58 percent in 2025.
The scheme has successfully established over 1.25 crore water conservation assets, including farm ponds, check dams, and community tanks.
These initiatives have produced significant results, leading to a reduction in the number of water-stressed rural blocks. Moreover, under ‘Mission Amrit Sarovar’, more than 68,000 reservoirs have been constructed or rejuvenated in the initial phase alone.
Point of View
The launch of the ‘National Initiative on Water Security’ is a timely and necessary step in addressing the escalating water crisis in rural India. By reallocating resources and prioritizing water conservation, the government is demonstrating a proactive approach to a pressing problem, ensuring that the nation's water resources are managed sustainably and equitably.
NationPress
25/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Initiative on Water Security?
The National Initiative on Water Security is a program launched by the Indian government to prioritize and mandate water conservation and harvesting activities in water-stressed rural blocks.
Who launched the initiative?
The initiative was launched by Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, alongside Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil.
What is the allocation of MGNREGA funds for water projects?
In over-exploited blocks, 65% of MGNREGA funds will be allocated for water-related works; 40% in semi-critical blocks, and at least 30% in blocks without water scarcity.
What has been the impact of MGNREGA since 2014?
MGNREGA has become the world’s largest social welfare program, generating over 3,000 crore person-days of employment with significant increases in women's participation.
What is Mission Amrit Sarovar?
Mission Amrit Sarovar is an initiative aimed at constructing and rejuvenating reservoirs to enhance water conservation efforts in India.
