India launched a national initiative on water security on Thursday, mandating a fixed share of rural employment funds for conservation projects. The move aims to boost groundwater recharge and secure water access for future generations.
Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Jal Shakti Minister Chandrakant Raghunath Patil unveiled the initiative at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi.
The plan requires rural blocks facing water stress to allocate the bulk of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, or MGNREGA, funds to water-related projects.
In “over-exploited” rural blocks, 65 percent of funds must go to water works. “Semi-critical” blocks must allocate 40 percent. Even areas without scarcity will channel at least 30 percent toward conservation.
“Water is life. If there is water, there is a tomorrow and a today. Without water, nothing is possible,” Chouhan said.
Focus on Long-Term Water Security
The policy marks a shift from short-term fixes to preventive water management. According to Chouhan, groundwater levels have been falling steadily, and immediate action is essential.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s past campaigns, including “Catch the Rain” and the creation of “Amrit Sarovars,” helped shape the initiative. Patil called the new policy “historic,” adding that it would strengthen rural development while safeguarding vital resources.
The MGNREGA budget for the year stands at ₹880 billion ($ 9.92 billion). A large portion will now be ringfenced for rainwater harvesting, check dams, farm ponds and tanks. Officials said the reallocation aligns with Modi’s direction to prioritize water at the highest level of policy.
Since 2014, MGNREGA has spent ₹8.4 trillion on projects and created more than 3,000 crore person-days of work. Women’s participation has increased from 48 percent in 2014 to 58 percent in 2025.
Corporate Social Responsibility Link
Analysts say the new policy reflects the government’s broader sustainability agenda and signals opportunities for corporate social responsibility partnerships in rural water projects.
Companies that prioritize corporate social responsibility could align with these efforts through funding or technical support.
Water security has become a major global challenge, and India’s move underscores how corporate social responsibility can extend beyond urban initiatives to benefit agriculture, livestock and ecosystems.
Background and Outlook
Under MGNREGA, more than 1.25 crore water assets have been built over the past decade. These include farm ponds, community tanks, and check dams. Additionally, over 68,000 reservoirs have been developed or revived under Mission Amrit Sarovar.
Officials say the new allocations will accelerate this momentum, helping India prepare for future water stress. “The National Water Security Initiative will benefit future generations, livestock, wildlife, environment, and agriculture,” Chouhan said.
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