Latest news with #MorGaonMorPani
Hindustan Times
16-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Over 56,000 people trained in water conservation techniques in Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh government has launched an ambitious grassroots initiative titled 'Mor Gaon Mor Pani' (My Village, My Water) under which till now more than 56,000 villagers, panchayat representatives, and field workers across Chhattisgarh have been trained in water conservation techniques, officials said. The campaign was launched on Panchayati Raj Day (April 24, 2025), and aims to reverse the alarming decline in groundwater levels across districts like Bemetara, Bastar, Surguja, and Raigarh. According to Jaldoot App data, villages such as Khari Gram Panchayat in Bemetara have seen water tables drop from 1.9 meters in 2024 to 5.1 meters in 2025—a trend mirrored across thousands of habitations. 'The Panchayat and Rural Development Department has divided the state into 626 clusters to streamline implementation of the campaign. So far, 56,112 individuals, including villagers, elected panchayat representatives, officials, and field workers, have undergone training in water conservation and resource management,' said Principal Secretary Niharika Barik. Barik further said that in 9,053 Gram Panchayats, current groundwater levels are being publicly displayed through wall writings to spread awareness. Meanwhile, 7,607 Panchayats have held rallies, cultural events, and slogan-writing campaigns to engage citizens in the cause. Officials said that many effective water conservation techniques are implemented under the campaign to tackle the rural water crisis, which include construction and renovation of water bodies such as stop dams, check dams, recharge pits, ponds, and farm ponds to enhance groundwater recharge and rainwater harvesting. Village-specific water management plans are being developed using GIS-based mapping of traditional and potential water sources. Public awareness is being raised through wall writings displaying groundwater levels in villages and over 56,000 individuals, including officials and villagers, have been trained in sustainable water management practices. 'Recognising the pivotal role of women in resource stewardship, the campaign is working closely with Self Help Groups (SHGs) to lead the charge at the community level. The program also incorporates GIS-based mapping to identify and plan around existing and potential water sources. Village-level action plans are being tailored to local topography for maximum impact,' Barik added. Under convergence with MGNREGA and allied schemes, the government has drawn up 37,090 water-related projects for 2025–26 which include stop dams, check dams, pond renovation, recharge pits, and farm ponds—with all works scheduled under a time-bound employment-generating plan. Ground activity has already commenced in every Gram Panchayat. In a parallel campaign, 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam', the state plans to plant 13 lakh trees this year. District-level preparations are underway to support the effort, officials said. Each village will also set up a Water Conservation Committee, responsible for project execution, monitoring, and community coordination. Gram Panchayats and Gram Sabhas are at the center of decision-making, ensuring grassroots involvement, Barik added. Officials said the state is currently facing a serious water crisis due to excessive groundwater extraction, climate change, and unsustainable agricultural practices. Districts like Dhamtari, Bemetara, and Raipur have reported a sharp decline in groundwater levels, primarily because of over-dependence on borewells and water-intensive crops like paddy. Uneven rainfall patterns and reduced natural recharge have further worsened the situation, affecting both rural and urban areas, officials added.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai launches urban groundwater mission to tackle water crisis
RAIPUR: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai launched the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Groundwater Conservation Mission (Urban) on Tuesday evening. The mission aims to implement comprehensive, mission-mode strategies for conserving groundwater and rainwater across all urban local bodies in Chhattisgarh. During the launch at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in Raipur, the Chief Minister unveiled the mission's brochure and an informational video outlining its objectives. He also handed over compassionate appointment letters to the families of 18 municipal employees who died during service in nine urban bodies of the state. The launch was followed by a technical workshop where hydrologists, real estate developers, industry groups, and officials from departments such as Forest, Public Works, Public Health Engineering, and Water Resources discussed water conservation strategies and their anticipated outcomes. Chief Minister Sai emphasised the critical importance of water. "Life is unimaginable without water. With growing concerns over water availability, the Urban Administration Department has initiated this ambitious mission. I am confident this mission will serve as a milestone in conserving and augmenting rainwater and groundwater," he stated. He highlighted that the state is already running several water conservation initiatives. The Panchayat and Rural Development Department is implementing the 'Mor Gaon Mor Pani' campaign with active community participation. He noted that both urban and rural campaigns share the common goal of sustainable water management. The Chief Minister also referred to the national-level Amrit Sarovar initiative , inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under which new ponds are being created and old ones rejuvenated across the country. Chief Minister Sai remarked that the four-hour expert dialogue held during the event reflects the seriousness with which the mission is being approached, warning that inaction today could lead to severe water crises in the future. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao and water conservationist Rajendra Singh, known as 'Waterman of India', addressed the gathering and responded to participant queries. A team from the Surat Municipal Corporation shared their successful models of rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge. Sao stated that valuable guidance was received from the 'Waterman of India' and the Surat civic team. He noted that key recommendations included integrating water conservation education into school curricula and aligning cropping patterns with rainfall trends in the state. Highlighting future challenges in ensuring urban water supply for drinking and other needs, he emphasised that this mission was launched to address those challenges proactively. "Chhattisgarh receives ample rainfall. With careful collection and management, we can resolve our water scarcity issues," he added. Water Resources Minister Kedar Kashyap expressed optimism that the mission would lead to exemplary outcomes.
