Raipur, April 3: Chhattisgarh’s Korba district has set a remarkable example in the field of water conservation, gaining recognition across the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the district’s ‘5 Percent Water Conservation Model’ during his popular program ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ making it a focal point of national discussion.
The Prime Minister emphasized that small local efforts can lead to significant changes. He specifically commended the farmers and villagers of Korba for collaboratively finding and successfully implementing a solution to the water crisis.
Under the ‘5 Percent Model,’ farmers in Korba have dedicated 5 percent of their arable land to water conservation. This area features small soak pits that collect rainwater, allowing it to seep into the ground. This initiative not only halted water wastage but also led to a remarkable improvement in groundwater levels.
What sets this model apart is its complete reliance on community participation. Over 1,200 farmers in the district have embraced this initiative, yielding positive results. Villagers have taken it upon themselves as a community campaign.
Women have emerged as ‘Water Heroines,’ while youth have taken on the role of ‘Water Messengers’ to promote this initiative. Decentralization of planning through village assemblies has enabled local decision-making and effective implementation, empowering the community to lead the campaign.
The results of this initiative have been highly encouraging. In 2025, approximately 2.8 million cubic meters of water was recharged into the groundwater, equivalent to hundreds of large ponds. According to a report from the Chhattisgarh Water Resources Department, a historic increase of 5.41 meters in groundwater levels has been recorded in the district.
Local farmers have directly benefited from this initiative. Farmer Vishal Kumar Das stated that the construction of soak pits has helped maintain soil moisture, increase water sources, and retain rainwater. Similarly, Parameshwar Rajwade noted that this model has improved his crop yield significantly.
Dr. Ashutosh Chaturvedi, CEO of the district panchayat, mentioned that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, campaigns like ‘Catch the Rain,’ water conservation, and community participation are being promoted nationwide. In Chhattisgarh, the ‘Mor Gaon Mor Pani’ initiative is being led by Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai.
He added that the ‘Aawa Pani Jhonki’ campaign has been implemented in Korba under the guidance of the collector, focusing on constructing soak pits not only in residential areas but also in farmers’ fields. This initiative continues to contribute to the rising water levels in the region.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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