Chhattisgarh leads India in national water conservation efforts

Chhattisgarh has emerged as the top-performing state in India for water conservation during the third phase of the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari campaign. According to data presented at a Ministry of Jal Shakti summit in New Delhi, the state registered 79,775 water conservation structures, with 77,719 successfully completed.

Five districts within the state—Surajpur, Mahasamund, Balod, Balodabazar-Bhatapara, and Kabirdham—ranked among the top 10 nationally for water conservation efforts. The state's success is attributed to grassroots participation, including involvement from farmers, Gram Panchayats, and local water volunteers. Key initiatives include the ‘5 Per Cent Model’ in the Koriya district, where farmers voluntarily dedicate a portion of their land to water conservation, and state-specific ‘Catch the Rain’ plans.

Officials noted that the state's approach focuses on rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and the protection of drinking water sources through community-led efforts rather than purely administrative actions.