Haryana's Path to Water Sustainability Backed by World Bank Funding
Synopsis
Chandigarh is taking bold steps towards water sustainability with the ‘Water Secure Haryana’ programme, supported by a significant World Bank loan. This initiative aims to transform agricultural water management across the state, benefiting millions of acres of cultivable land.
Key Takeaways
Robust financial backing from the World Bank Comprehensive water management strategy Focus on sustainable agricultural practices Data-driven water management systems Collaboration among multiple governmental departments
Chandigarh, April 9 (NationPress) In an important move towards achieving long-term water sustainability, Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi convened a high-level meeting with the World Bank Appraisal Mission on Thursday, marking a pivotal advancement in the rollout of the ambitious ‘Water Secure Haryana’ initiative.
This programme, with a total investment of Rs 5,715 crore, which includes a Rs 4,000 crore loan from the World Bank, is focused on enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of agricultural water usage throughout the state.
Set to unfold over a span of six years, this initiative represents a holistic and organized strategy to fortify water management frameworks in Haryana. The project will be executed through a collaborative 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 a budget of Rs 1,500 crore, and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, utilizing Rs 887 crore.
The synergy between these departments is anticipated to facilitate integrated planning and effective implementation.
Satbir Singh Kadian, the Engineer in Chief of the Irrigation and Water Resources Department, shared that the programme aims to induce a structural overhaul in water governance by harnessing modern technology, enhancing institutional frameworks, and fostering farmer-centric initiatives.
The initiative will span across 15 clusters, covering 48.94 lakh acres, benefitting a substantial segment of the state's cultivable land.
A major emphasis of the programme is the adoption of data-driven water management systems, which include digital databases and real-time monitoring tools to bolster irrigation efficiency and service delivery.
Furthermore, the programme prioritizes sustainable agricultural practices, advocating for crop diversification and endorsing water-saving methods such as direct-seeded rice.
With robust administrative support, international financial backing, and a clearly defined execution plan, the ‘Water Secure Haryana’ programme is set to become a benchmark for sustainable water management and agricultural resilience across the nation.
Present at the meeting were Additional Chief Secretary (Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare) Vijayendra Kumar, Principal Secretary (Architecture) Pankaj Agarwal, Commissioner and Secretary (Excise and Taxation) Ashima Brar, along with other senior officials.
Point of View
Emphasizing sustainability and technological advancements. This project could serve as a model for other states facing similar challenges.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the 'Water Secure Haryana' programme?
The programme aims to enhance water management efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in agricultural use across Haryana.
How much funding is involved in the programme?
The total outlay for the programme is Rs 5,715 crore, which includes a Rs 4,000 crore loan from the World Bank.
How many acres will the programme cover?
The initiative will span across 15 clusters, covering 48.94 lakh acres of cultivable land.
What are some key features of the programme?
It focuses on data-driven water management, sustainable agricultural practices, and the use of modern technology.
Who are the key stakeholders involved?
The programme involves multiple departments, including the Irrigation and Water Resources Department and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
