Under the initiative, Schedule I of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, has been amended emphasizing water security as a national priority.
- The amendment has been done under the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 29 of MGNREGA to the Central Government.
- Under the MGNREGA scheme, more than 1.25 crore water conservation assets such as farm ponds, check dams, and community tanks have been created so far.
Key Highlights of the Initiative
- Objective: Boost groundwater levels, rejuvenate rivers, and ensure sustainable water management.
- Mandatory Water Conservation Fund Allocation under MGNREGA:
- Critical blocks (90–100% extraction): 65% of funds.
- Semi-critical blocks (70–90% extraction): 40% of funds.
- Safe blocks (≤70% extraction): 30% of funds.
- Groundwater Assessment: Blocks have been classified by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) based on the Dynamic Ground Water Resources Assessment Report (2024).
- Distribution: Critical (3.05%); Semi-critical (10.54%); Over-exploited (11.13%); Safe (73.39%); Saline (1.88%)
Significance of the Initiative
- Shifts approach from reactive to preventive water management.
- Ensures MGNREGA resources are targeted at areas of greatest water need.
- Supports rural development, livestock, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
Other Initiatives for Water Conservation
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