National Initiative on Water Security

General Studies Paper 2

In News

• The Government of India has launched the ‘National Initiative on Water Security,’ making water conservation a top national priority and introducing mandatory minimum spending on water-related works under MGNREGA.

Key Features of the Initiative

• Fund Allocation Mandates:
  • ‘Over-exploited’/‘Dark zone’ blocks: 65% of MGNREGA funds must be spent on water-related works (rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge).
  • ‘Semi-critical’ blocks: 40% of funds for water conservation.
• All other blocks: 30% minimum for such activities.
• Budgetary Focus: Out of the ₹88,000 crore annual MGNREGA budget (2025–26), a fixed share is now earmarked for water security.
• Groundwater Assessment Basis: Fund distribution and block categorisation are based on the Dynamic Ground Water Resources Assessment Report (2024), as classified by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).

What Qualifies as Water Conservation Works?

• Construction of check dams, farm ponds, community tanks, and percolation tanks.
• Desilting, renovation of traditional water bodies, groundwater recharge pits, soak wells.
• Building irrigation channels, watershed management structures, afforestation and plantation works to increase water retention.

Rationale

• Groundwater depletion: India is the world’s largest user of groundwater (~25% of global extraction).
• Rural dependence: 80% of rural drinking water and nearly two-thirds of irrigation rely on groundwater.
• Climate stress: Erratic monsoons and rising drought frequency exacerbate water scarcity.
• PM’s directive: Following the Prime Minister’s instruction to earmark funds specifically for water, this step institutionalises water conservation as a national rural priority.

Significance

• Water Security: Strengthens groundwater recharge and rainwater harvesting.
• Rural Livelihoods: Ensures sustainable employment + improved farm productivity.
• Women Empowerment: Rising participation in MGNREGA aligns with SDG 5.
• Climate Adaptation: Improves resilience of rural communities against droughts and floods.
• Synergy with National Missions: Supports Jal Jeevan Mission, Catch the Rain, Amrit Sarovar, and Doubling Farmers’ Income goals.