In a significant move to address India's growing water crisis, the Central Government has issued a crucial directive to all states, urging them to strategically align MGNREGA resources with drinking water security initiatives.
Creating Protected Drinking Water Zones
The government has called for the establishment of 'Protected Drinking Water Zones' across rural India. These specially designated areas will serve as secure water sources, protected from contamination and over-exploitation, ensuring clean drinking water availability for communities.
MGNREGA Workforce for Water Conservation
Under this new initiative, states are being encouraged to deploy MGNREGA workers for various water-related infrastructure projects, including:
- Construction and renovation of water bodies
- Rainwater harvesting structures
- Groundwater recharge projects
- Watershed development activities
- Protection of existing water sources
Integration with Jal Jeevan Mission
The directive emphasizes seamless coordination between MGNREGA works and the flagship Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide tap water connections to every rural household. This integrated approach seeks to maximize resource utilization and accelerate progress toward water security goals.
Addressing Water Scarcity Challenges
This strategic move comes at a critical time when many Indian states face severe water scarcity issues, particularly during summer months. By leveraging the massive MGNREGA workforce—which sees participation from over 10 crore households annually—the government aims to create sustainable water infrastructure while providing employment opportunities.
The initiative represents a paradigm shift in how rural employment schemes can be leveraged for critical infrastructure development, potentially transforming water security landscape in rural India while maintaining the employment guarantee aspect of MGNREGA.
