Raipur: In response to the alarming decline in groundwater levels across Chhattisgarh, the state government has launched an ambitious grassroots initiative titled ‘Mor Gaon Mor Pani’ (My Village, My Water). The campaign seeks to promote sustainable water management and conservation at the village level through widespread community participation.
The initiative is being led by the Panchayat and Rural Development Department, which has strategically divided the state into 626 clusters to streamline implementation. So far, 56,112 individuals, including villagers, panchayat representatives, field workers and officials, have been trained in water conservation techniques.
Groundwater Depletion Raises Alarms
Data from the Jaldoot App highlights a worrying trend. In the Khari Gram Panchayat of Bemetara, groundwater levels have dropped from 1.9 meters in 2024 to 5.1 meters in 2025. Similar patterns have been observed across thousands of habitations, particularly in districts such as Bemetara, Bastar, Surguja, and Raigarh.
Officials attribute the crisis to excessive extraction, unsustainable farming practices, and the increasing impact of climate change. Water-intensive crops, such as paddy and over-dependence on borewells, are major contributors to the crisis in districts like Dhamtari, Raipur and Bemetara.
Local Engagement and Awareness Campaigns
To raise public awareness, groundwater levels are being publicly displayed on walls in 9,053 Gram Panchayats. Additionally, 7,607 Panchayats have organised awareness drives, including rallies, cultural events, and slogan-writing competitions, to encourage citizen involvement in the campaign.
A critical component of the initiative is the formation of Water Conservation Committees in each village. These committees are tasked with monitoring, executing and coordinating water-related projects, with a strong emphasis on Gram Panchayat and Gram Sabha leadership in decision-making.
Scientific Planning and Sustainable Practices
The campaign incorporates GIS-based mapping to identify traditional and potential water sources. Based on local topography, village-specific water management plans are being developed to maximise impact. Efforts include the construction and renovation of water bodies such as stop dams, check dams, ponds, recharge pits and farm ponds to support rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.
Recognising the vital role of women in managing natural resources, the campaign is actively engaging Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in community-level leadership roles.
Large-Scale Project Rollout Underway
In convergence with MGNREGA and other allied schemes, the government has approved 37,090 water-related projects for the fiscal year 2025–26. These are planned as time-bound, employment-generating activities. Groundwork has already begun across all Gram Panchayats in the state.
In a parallel environmental initiative titled ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,’ the state plans to plant 13 lakh trees in 2025, with district-level preparations already underway.
Chhattisgarh’s ‘Mor Gaon Mor Pani’ stands as a comprehensive response to the escalating water crisis, focusing on both ecological restoration and community empowerment.
