Union Ministers Launch National Initiative on Water Security
Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, alongside Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri Chandrakant Raghunath Patil, unveiled the ‘National Initiative on Water Security’ at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi today. The launch event was attended by Union Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan, Rural Development Secretary Shri Shailesh Singh, and senior officials from both ministries. Representatives from rural blocks and district magistrates participated virtually, emphasizing the initiative’s nationwide significance.
Focus on Water Security
During the launch, Minister Chouhan emphasized the government’s commitment to water security, stating that it has become a national priority under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He highlighted recent amendments to the MGNREGA Act, which prioritize water-related projects in rural areas facing water stress. This historic decision mandates a minimum expenditure on water conservation and harvesting activities in these regions, ensuring that water security is at the forefront of rural development efforts.
Chouhan pointed out the alarming depletion of groundwater levels, which he described as one of the most pressing global challenges today. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently championed water conservation, dating back to his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat. The Prime Minister has initiated various campaigns, including ‘Catch the Rain’ and the construction of ‘Amrit Sarovars’, to promote the importance of water conservation across the country.
Funding Allocation for Water Conservation
The Union Minister elaborated on the new funding structure for MGNREGA, which will now allocate a significant portion of its budget to water conservation efforts. In ‘over-exploited’ blocks, 65% of MGNREGA funds will be directed towards water-related projects. For ‘semi-critical’ blocks, 40% of the funds will be earmarked for similar initiatives, while even blocks without immediate water scarcity will allocate at least 30% of their resources to water conservation. This strategic allocation aims to enhance groundwater recharge and promote long-term water management practices.
Chouhan stated that this policy shift represents a proactive approach to addressing water scarcity, moving from reactive measures to sustainable management. By prioritizing water conservation in resource allocation, the government aims to address the most urgent needs in rural areas, ensuring a more resilient future for communities dependent on these vital resources.
Government Support and Future Initiatives
Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri C.R. Patil also underscored the significance of the initiative, praising Prime Minister Modi’s unwavering commitment to water conservation. He noted that the recent decision to allocate funds from the ₹88,000 crore MGNREGA budget for water-related projects marks a historic step towards ensuring water security and advancing rural development. Patil expressed gratitude to both the Prime Minister and Minister Chouhan for their leadership in this critical area.
The initiative builds on the substantial achievements made in rural development and water conservation under MGNREGA over the past decade. Since 2014, the program has emerged as the world’s largest social welfare initiative, with an expenditure of approximately ₹8.4 lakh crore and the creation of over 3,000 crore person-days of employment. Notably, women’s participation in the program has increased significantly, rising from 48% in 2014 to an expected 58% by 2025.
Achievements in Water Conservation
Under MGNREGA, more than 1.25 crore water conservation assets, including farm ponds, check dams, and community tanks, have been established. These efforts have led to a noticeable reduction in the number of water-stressed rural blocks. Additionally, the ‘Mission Amrit Sarovar’ initiative has successfully constructed or rejuvenated over 68,000 reservoirs in its first phase, further contributing to the nation’s water security goals.
The launch of the ‘National Initiative on Water Security’ marks a significant step forward in addressing the critical issue of water scarcity in India. By prioritizing water conservation in rural development, the government aims to create a sustainable future for communities across the country, ensuring that water remains accessible for generations to come.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn
