Union Rural Development and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, on Thursday (September 25, 2025) launched the National Initiative on Water Security at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi.
The new policy places water conservation at the core of MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), making it mandatory to allocate funds for rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge. The move comes amid growing concerns over falling groundwater levels, which Chouhan described as “one of the biggest global challenges.”
Chouhan said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, water security has been made a national priority in rural development. Amendments to the MGNREGA schedule now ensure that a fixed share of funds will be dedicated to water-related works in every rural block. He also highlighted the Prime Minister’s long-standing commitment to water conservation, citing initiatives such as the Catch the Rain campaign and the construction of Amrit Sarovars.
A tiered funding model has been introduced to address varying levels of water stress. In over-exploited blocks, 65% of MGNREGA funds will be allocated to water-related works, while 40% will be earmarked for semi-critical blocks, and at least 30% for blocks without severe scarcity. “This marks a shift from reactive crisis management to preventive and sustainable planning,” Chouhan said.
Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil described the decision as “historic,” crediting the Prime Minister’s vision for giving water conservation top priority in rural policy. He noted that out of the Rs 88,000 crore MGNREGA budget, substantial portions will now be devoted to water-related projects, a step he called transformative for rural sustainability.
Since 2014, MGNREGA has emerged as the world’s largest social welfare programme, with an expenditure of about Rs 8.4 lakh crore and the creation of more than 3,000 crore person-days of employment. Women’s participation in the programme has also increased significantly, from 48% in 2014 to 58% in 2025. Over 1.25 crore water assets, including ponds, check dams, and tanks. have been built, while more than 68,000 reservoirs have been constructed or rejuvenated under Mission Amrit Sarovar.
The launch event was attended by Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan, Rural Development Secretary Shailesh Singh, and senior officials. Representatives from rural blocks and district magistrates across the country also participated virtually.
