New Delhi: Union Minister for Rural Development, Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Jal Shakti Minister Shri Chandrakant Raghunath Patil jointly launched the ‘National Initiative on Water Security’ in New Delhi, marking a pivotal shift in India’s rural water management strategy. The initiative puts water conservation at the center of rural development, especially under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Mandating Water Conservation Funds under MGNREGA
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced sweeping amendments that now require a fixed proportion of MGNREGA funds to be mandatorily spent on water conservation works in rural India. Specifically, in ‘over-exploited’ and ‘critical’ blocks facing severe water stress, 65% of MGNREGA allocations will go to water-related activities. ‘Semi-critical’ blocks must utilize 40%, while even blocks without acute water scarcity are mandated to allocate at least 30% for water security efforts. This measure ensures sustainable water management and targets the nation’s most vulnerable regions.
Alignment with Prime Minister’s Vision
Speaking at the event, Shri Chouhan emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s longstanding commitment to water conservation, referencing landmark programs like ‘Catch the Rain’ and ‘Amrit Sarovar’. He highlighted that focusing national resources on water will help reverse groundwater depletion, rejuvenate rivers, and guarantee long-term ecological and social prosperity for future generations.
Nationwide Policy and Impact
Jal Shakti Minister Shri C.R. Patil described the initiative as historic, aligning with a shift from reactive to preventive strategies in water management. With a ₹88,000 crore MGNREGA budget, the allocation guarantees resource focus in areas of greatest need. Since 2014, MGNREGA has created more than 1.25 crore water conservation assets and constructed or rejuvenated over 68,000 reservoirs under ‘Mission Amrit Sarovar’, playing a significant role in reducing water-stressed blocks nationwide.
Grassroots Participation and Digital Transformation
With growing women’s participation works rising from 48% in 2014 to 58% in 2025, the policy reinforces inclusive, community-driven water management. The interactive launch included district magistrates and rural block representatives nationwide, showcasing the government’s sustained grassroots outreach and digital governance.
Conclusion
The National Initiative on Water Security is set to transform the water conservation landscape in rural India, ensuring that crucial public funds are systematically directed to preserving and enhancing water resources for future generations, agriculture, livestock, and the nation’s overall well-being.
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Source: PIB
