Water conservation and efficient management of resources in India are primarily the responsibility of State Governments. However, the Central Government plays a crucial role by offering technical support and financial assistance. Various schemes and programs have been implemented to enhance water sustainability. These initiatives focus on groundwater recharge, irrigation efficiency, and rainwater harvesting. Collaborative efforts between the Centre and States ensure effective water resource management.
Atal Bhujal Yojana: A Step Towards Sustainable Groundwater Management
The Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY), a Central Sector Scheme launched on April 1, 2020, focuses on sustainable groundwater management in 8,203 Gram Panchayats across 229 blocks in 80 districts of seven states—Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The scheme aims to prevent groundwater depletion through community-led interventions.
Water Security Plans at the Gram Panchayat level outline demand-side measures such as micro-irrigation, crop diversification, and underground pipelines, alongside supply-side interventions like rainwater harvesting structures, check dams, and recharge shafts. The scheme’s financial outlay for the year 2025-26 stands at Rs 1,780.40 crore, with significant funds already allocated and utilized by participating states.
Artificial Recharge to Groundwater in Rajasthan
Under the Aquifer Rejuvenation initiative of the Ground Water Management and Regulation (GWMR) Scheme (2021-26), the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has been implementing artificial groundwater recharge projects in Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Sikar, and Alwar districts of Rajasthan. The project, backed by an allocation of Rs 225 crore, includes constructing check dams, anicuts, and percolation tanks to enhance groundwater levels.
National Aquifer Mapping for Efficient Water Management
The CGWB has successfully completed the National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM) Project, covering approximately 25 lakh sq. km of mappable areas across India. These aquifer maps and associated management plans have been provided to State Governments for implementation, facilitating strategic groundwater conservation and recharge measures.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and Irrigation Projects
The PMKSY, a flagship scheme of the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD&GR), prioritizes irrigation projects in drought-prone regions. Under PMKSY’s Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), projects covering over 50% of drought-prone command areas receive enhanced central funding at a 60:40 ratio (Centre:State).
Since 2016, 62 out of 115 projects under PMKSY-AIBP have benefited drought-prone areas, creating an additional irrigation potential of 16.03 lakh hectares. Additionally, the Repair, Renovation, and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies scheme has been integrated into PMKSY’s Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP) component, with a budget of Rs4,580 crore for 2021-26.
Special Initiatives for Maharashtra
Recognizing the water crisis in Maharashtra, the government approved a special package in 2018-19 to support irrigation projects in drought-prone districts of Vidarbha, Marathwada, and other regions. Under this initiative, 60 Small and Medium Irrigation (SMI) and two Major and Medium Irrigation (MMI) projects have been completed, generating irrigation potential for 1.77 lakh hectares.
Jal Shakti Abhiyan: A National Movement for Water Conservation
Launched in 2019, the Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) initially targeted 1,592 water-stressed blocks across 256 districts. In 2020, the government introduced the "Catch the Rain" campaign, emphasizing the construction of rainwater harvesting structures. By 2021, the initiative expanded to cover all rural and urban blocks nationwide, with subsequent themes such as “Source Sustainability for Drinking Water” (2023) and "Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti" (2024), highlighting women's role in water conservation.
Key interventions under JSA include:
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Promoting rainwater harvesting.
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Geo-tagging and inventorying water bodies.
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Establishing Jal Shakti Kendras in every district.
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Conducting afforestation drives.
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Generating public awareness.
Groundwater Regulation and Water Conservation Efforts
To regulate groundwater extraction, the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), established under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, issues No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for groundwater usage in industrial and infrastructure projects. Moreover, CGWA has developed a Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater (2020), which proposes constructing 1.42 crore rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge structures to harness 185 billion cubic meters (BCM) of monsoon rainfall.
Additionally, the government promotes water conservation through:
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Model Groundwater Legislation, adopted by 21 States/UTs.
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National Water Awards, recognizing excellence in water conservation.
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India Water Week, a biennial international conference.
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Mass awareness programs, including training, seminars, and exhibitions.
Amrit Sarovar Mission: Revival of Water Bodies
Launched on April 24, 2022, the Amrit Sarovar Mission aims to develop and rejuvenate 75 water bodies per district as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. As of July 15, 2024, nearly 70,000 water bodies have been revived under this mission.
Collaborative Water Conservation Frameworks
To ensure efficient utilization of resources, the Mission Water Conservation framework aligns key initiatives such as:
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Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)
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PMKSY-Watershed Development Component
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Command Area Development & Water Management (CADWM)
A joint advisory issued in 2020 directed States/UTs to focus on groundwater recharge, rainwater harvesting, and augmentation of water sources, integrating efforts across multiple ministries.
Conclusion
India's water conservation strategy combines regulatory measures, community participation, technological advancements, and financial support to address water scarcity. From Atal Bhujal Yojana to Jal Shakti Abhiyan and PMKSY, these initiatives aim to ensure long-term sustainability of water resources. However, continuous efforts and public participation remain crucial for achieving water security across the nation.
