Rajnandgaon district in Chhattisgarh has implemented Mission Jal Raksha, a comprehensive water conservation initiative designed to capture monsoon rainfall through scientific infrastructure and community mobilization. The program utilizes advanced technologies including GIS mapping, remote sensing, aquifer mapping, and Digital Elevation Models to identify optimal locations for groundwater recharge interventions.
Key infrastructure achievements include the creation of over 60,000 water conservation and recharge structures across 662 villages, conversion of more than 500 defunct borewells into recharge shafts, and establishment of 600+ injection wells integrated with 1,700+ mini percolation tanks. These interventions have enabled rainwater to reach deep aquifers even in hard-rock terrain. Additionally, more than 2,500 water bodies have been geo-tagged for monitoring purposes.
The initiative has generated significant employment, creating over 51 lakh person-days of work. The groundwater level has risen by approximately 2.04 meters on average, strengthening both irrigation capabilities and drinking water security across the district. The program has also driven agricultural changes, with nearly 70% of summer paddy cultivation shifting to less water-intensive crops through crop diversification efforts.
Mission Jal Raksha emphasizes community participation (Jan Bhagidari) with farmers, women, youth, and Gram Panchayats actively involved in water budgeting, awareness campaigns, and behavioral change initiatives. The district's approach combines ridge-to-valley planning with innovative field interventions to ensure maximum rainwater capture and recharge, making it a model for monsoon preparedness and sustainable water management.