2.85 Lakh Water Conservation Structures Create 19.23 Lakh Cubic Metres of Additional Water Storage Capacity
Published on: July 14, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
The ‘Mor Gaon–Mor Pani’ mega campaign has evolved into a successful people’s movement for water conservation and groundwater recharge across rural Chhattisgarh, moving beyond the framework of a government programme through active public participation, voluntary labour and the involvement of women’s self-help groups.
Launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and guided by Deputy Chief Minister and Panchayat & Rural Development Minister Vijay Sharma, the campaign is being implemented under the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission Rural (VBG-RAMJI Yojana). The initiative is aimed at strengthening water security and sustainable natural resource management across the state.
Balod district has emerged as a significant example of the campaign’s implementation, recording substantial progress in water conservation and groundwater recharge.
2.85 Lakh Structures Boost Water Storage Capacity
According to the district administration, 2.85 lakh water conservation structures have been constructed or rejuvenated across Balod through coordinated public participation.
These interventions have created an additional 19.23 lakh cubic metres of water storage capacity, which is expected to:
- Improve the groundwater table.
- Enhance soil moisture retention in agricultural fields.
- Ensure irrigation for both Kharif and Rabi crops, contributing to higher farm incomes.
Rainwater Harvesting Expanded Across Public Infrastructure
Following the campaign’s guiding principle—“Wherever rain falls, rainwater should be conserved”—rooftop rainwater harvesting systems have been installed in government buildings throughout the district.
The campaign also includes the construction of recharge shafts, farm ponds (dabris), ponds, trenches and soak pits to enhance surface water conservation. In addition, abandoned borewells are being recharged, while pond deepening and check dam construction works are being undertaken to strengthen water resources.
Community Participation Drives Green Development
Public participation has emerged as the campaign’s defining feature, with women’s self-help groups, village development committees, women commandos, Green Army volunteers and students from schools and colleges actively participating in water conservation, pond cleaning and plantation activities.
During July alone, more than three lakh seed balls have been dispersed across the district, while the administration has set a target of planting two lakh saplings under the plantation drive.
Major Water Conservation Works Across Development Blocks
The campaign has witnessed the execution of several key projects across Balod’s development blocks.
In Gurur Janpad Panchayat, 1,200 trenches were constructed in Arjuni Gram Panchayat, mixed fruit plantation covering one hectare was undertaken in Kuliya, and a cement concrete check dam was built near the Gauthan in Chandanbirhi.
In Gunderdehi Janpad Panchayat, works include a 27,000-litre recharge pit at Kongni, a 6,750-litre rainwater harvesting structure at Belaudi, a 2.82 lakh-litre capacity well at Tavera, a 5 KLD greywater treatment plant at Gabdi, a rainwater harvesting structure at Chirchar, a 25,000-litre magic pit at Khursuni, a 30,000-litre failed bore recharge shaft at Mundera, a 16 lakh-litre livelihood farm pond at Mahud (B), and a check dam at Odarsakari. A 25,000-litre recharge pit has also been completed in Khursuni.
In Dondi Janpad Panchayat, a 12 lakh-litre private livelihood farm pond has been constructed in Singhanwahi, while 4,700 trenches capable of supporting 35 lakh litres of water storage have been developed in Gujra village.
Towards a Water-Secure Balod
With the guiding vision of “Water Prosperity through Public Participation in Water Conservation,” the Balod district administration continues to advance efforts to make the district water-secure and environmentally sustainable.
According to the administration, villagers have voluntarily participated in constructing lakhs of soak pits and water conservation structures through shramdaan (voluntary labour), enabling the district to exceed its planned targets under the campaign.
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