Under the ‘Mor Gaon-Mor Paani’ campaign, 2.85 lakh water conservation structures were built in Balod. Water storage capacity increased by 19.23 lakh cubic meters, farmers and ground water will benefit.
Raipur. The ‘Mor Gaon-Mor Paani’ campaign, developed under the leadership of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and under the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister and Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, under the Bharat-Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural), is giving water conservation the form of a mass movement in the entire state. Through this campaign, along with increasing employment opportunities, the works of water conservation, ground water enrichment, conservation of natural resources and green development are being carried forward at a fast pace.
Balod Water Conservation: Campaign becoming successful with participation of every section
In Balod district, the district administration has initiated several water conservation works with the active participation of all the gram panchayats, government offices, educational institutions, industrial units, self-help groups and various social organizations. The main objective of the campaign is to give practical shape to the idea of “wherever it rains, when it rains, rainwater should be harvested”, so that maximum rainwater can be conserved at the local level.
Rain Water Harvesting: Rain water harvesting system being built in government buildings
Under the campaign, rooftop rain water harvesting systems are being installed in all the government buildings of the district. Along with this, recharge shafts, dams, ponds and trenches are also being constructed for surface rain water collection. Installation of hand pumps and soak pits and rain water harvesting systems in Prime Minister’s residences are also being continuously promoted, so that the ground water level can be strengthened.
Ground Water Recharge: Thousands of structures ready to increase ground water
To strengthen ground water conservation, many structures like recharge pits, injection wells, recharge of inactive bore wells, deepening and renovation of ponds, check dams and water absorbing trenches have been constructed and revitalized. The aim of these efforts is to channel more rain water underground and reduce water crisis in future.
MGNREGA Water Conservation: Water harvesting capacity increased from 2.85 lakh structures
So far, 2.85 lakh water conservation structures have been constructed in the district with the help of VBG-Ramji (MNREGA), Forest Department, District Mineral Trust (DMF), various incentive schemes and public participation. Through these structures, additional water harvesting capacity of about 19.23 lakh cubic meters has been developed. This will improve the ground water level, maintain soil moisture for a longer period and strengthen irrigation facilities for both Kharif and Rabi season crops. As a result, it is also expected to provide significant help in increasing the income of farmers.
Seed Ball Campaign: Green development promoted by millions of seed balls and plantation
The biggest strength of this campaign is public participation. With the active participation of public representatives, women self-help groups, village development committees, Mahila Commando, Green Army and students of schools and colleges, awareness about cleaning of ponds and reservoirs, construction of water conservation structures at every house and tree plantation and seed ball campaign is being run on a large scale. So far, more than 3 lakh seed balls have been planted in the month of July, while the target of planting 2 lakh saplings has been set.
Chhattisgarh Water Mission: Big step towards water prosperity and green rural development
The state government is continuously working to strengthen water conservation, natural resource management, green development and rural livelihood in all the districts of the state through VB-Ji Ram Ji Yojana. With the thinking of “Water Conservation – Public Participation towards Water Prosperity”, the district administration is making continuous efforts towards developing Balod as a water-secure, green and prosperous rural district.