Under the initiative, Schedule I of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, has been amended emphasizing water security as a national priority.

• The amendment has been done under the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 29 of MGNREGA to the Central Government.
• Under the MGNREGA scheme, more than 1.25 crore water conservation assets such as farm ponds, check dams, and community tanks have been created so far.

Key Highlights of the Initiative

• Objective: Boost groundwater levels, rejuvenate rivers, and ensure sustainable water management.
• Mandatory Water Conservation Fund Allocation under MGNREGA:
  • Critical blocks (90–100% extraction): 65% of funds.
  • Semi-critical blocks (70–90% extraction): 40% of funds.
  • Safe blocks (≤70% extraction): 30% of funds.
• Groundwater Assessment: Blocks have been classified by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) based on the Dynamic Ground Water Resources Assessment Report (2024).
  • Distribution: Critical (3.05%); Semi-critical (10.54%); Over-exploited (11.13%); Safe (73.39%); Saline (1.88%)

Significance of the Initiative

• Shifts approach from reactive to preventive water management.
• Ensures MGNREGA resources are targeted at areas of greatest water need.
• Supports rural development, livestock, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.