Rajnandgaon’s Mission Jal Raksha Model Earns National Recognition

Chhattisgarh / Rajnandgaon

Rajnandgaon’s Mission Jal Raksha Model Earns National Recognition

Rajnandgaon | 09-Oct-2025 108

TNINS

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Raipur : The Mission Jal Raksha model of Chhattisgarh’s Rajnandgaon district has earned national recognition at the Sujalam Bharat – Jal Sanchay programme, organised by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti. At the national conference held at Convention Hall in New Delhi, officials concerned presented the innovative initiatives and achievements of Rajnandgaon in the field of water conservation.

The event showcased water conservation, groundwater management, and water literacy innovations from across the country. Presiding over the programme, Mrs. Archana Verma, Director, Ministry of Jal Shakti, lauded the Mission Jal Raksha model, calling it “an inspiring example for other districts” and a powerful demonstration of how community-driven approaches can achieve sustainable water management.

The presentation was delivered by Ms. Suruchi Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Rajnandgaon Zila Panchayat, in the presence of senior ministry officials, representatives of NITI Aayog, water experts, and delegates from various states.

Rajnandgaon’s Mission Jal Raksha model is rooted in a holistic approach combining science, technology, and community participation. Of the district’s four blocks, three had been classified as semi-critical zones in terms of groundwater levels. Through sustained interventions—including percolation tanks, recharge shafts, and other water structures—scientifically designed with hydrogeological mapping and GIS-based analysis, maximum utilisation of rainwater has been ensured.

The model also focuses on low-cost, locally sourced materials to build water structures, reducing construction costs significantly.

Under Mission Jal Raksha, extensive campaigns on water sanitation and crop awareness have been launched at the village level, encouraging rainwater harvesting, community hygiene, and crop cycle diversification.

Particularly noteworthy is the large-scale participation of over 1.5 lakh women, led by Padma Shri awardee Phoolbasan Bai, under the Neer-Nari Jal Yatra. Their sustained efforts have been instrumental in creating awareness and mobilising communities towards water conservation.

The district has also showcased innovative low-cost techniques for groundwater conservation under MGNREGA. In addition, satellite GIS imagery and mapping are being used to scientifically evaluate the impact of water structures, with early results showing visible improvement in several regions. The model also addresses policy gaps and promotes context-specific policy reforms to ensure effective water management.

The second phase of Mission Jal Raksha in Rajnandgaon is set to focus on micro-recharge mapping, institutional rainwater harvesting systems, and water quality monitoring mechanisms. With the support of the state government, more structures will be developed to expand water conservation and recharge.

The Sujalam Bharat – Jal Sanchay programme is one of the Government of India’s flagship initiatives, aimed at promoting water conservation, rejuvenation of water bodies, wastewater reuse, and community participation, with the overarching vision of ensuring “every drop counts.”

Officials noted that Rajnandgaon’s Mission Jal Raksha model could serve as a replicable example for other states under the Sujalam Bharat campaign, advancing the national goal of sustainable water security.