NEW DELHI, Sept 25: The Union Government has made water security a national priority under MGNREGS, with a fixed portion of scheme funds now mandatorily earmarked for water conservation and harvesting works, Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on Thursday.
Launching the National Initiative on Water Security alongside Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil, Chouhan said that in over-exploited blocks, 65% of MGNREGA funds will go to water-related works; in semi-critical blocks, the share will be 40%; and even in non-water-scarce blocks, at least 30% of funds will be dedicated to water conservation.
He said the Schedule of the MGNREGA Act, 2005 has been amended to give precedence to water assets, shifting policy from reactive relief to preventive, long-term water management. The minister highlighted the continuous depletion of groundwater and cited campaigns such as Catch the Rain and construction of Amrit Sarovars as part of the larger push led by the Prime Minister.
According to the ministry, over 1.25 crore water conservation assets—including farm ponds, check dams, and community tanks—have been created under the scheme so far, helping reduce the number of water-stressed rural blocks. Under Mission Amrit Sarovar, more than 68,000 reservoirs have been constructed or rejuvenated in Phase-I.
Patil termed the move a vital step for water security and rural development, while Chouhan said the decision will channel MGNREGS resources into groundwater recharge and large-scale conservation drives with short reaction times and measurable outcomes at the village level.
📲 Follow us on WhatsAppSource: PTI
Labels: MGNREGS, Water Conservation, Rural Development, Jal Shakti
Tags: #MGNREGA #WaterSecurity #Groundwater #ShivrajSinghChouhan #CRPatil
Disclaimer: This news report is based on inputs from Press Trust of India (PTI) and verified public sources. Jammu News Portal strives for factual and authentic reporting, though we do not take responsibility for any inadvertent errors. Readers are encouraged to verify official communications for complete details.