Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil reviewed progress in 124 over-exploited and critical groundwater districts yesterday, as per the 2024 national groundwater assessment.
The Ministry of Jal Shakti stated that the review focused on progress under Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 2.0, which aims to create one crore artificial recharge and storage structures by May 31st of next year.
The meeting also emphasised accelerating water conservation efforts in stressed districts to strengthen long-term water security and source sustainability. The districts were also guided on using scientific feasibility maps, the technical support of the Central Ground Water Board, and the convergence of schemes for rapid implementation.
Addressing the meeting, the Union Minister said that 65 percent of MGNREGA funds in over-exploited and critical blocks have been earmarked for water-related works under the scheme.
Mr Patil also informed that 15 additional water conservation and groundwater recharge activities have now been permitted under MGNREGA, specifically for over-exploited, critical, and semi-critical districts. These include recharge shafts, injection wells, filtration ponds, artificial wetlands, renovation of traditional water bodies, and spring collection chambers.
