Raipur: Groundwater conservation gains momentum with 'More Village More Water Campaign';
587 loose boulder check dams and 37 gabion structures constructed in Surguja;
rainwater harvesting will increase groundwater levels, providing relief to farmers in irrigation and drinking water to villagers

Raipur. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, extensive water conservation work is being carried out in Surguja district under the 'More Gaon More Pani Maha Abhiyan', which is being run with the aim of giving the shape of a mass movement to water conservation and groundwater enrichment in the state. Through Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGA), 587 loose boulder check dams and 37 gabion structures have been constructed in all seven development blocks of the district to ensure groundwater recharge by stopping rainwater in the villages itself. Most of the work has been completed, while the remaining work is in the final stage, so that maximum rainwater harvesting can be ensured this monsoon.

Loose boulder check dams have been approved for 122 projects in the Ambikapur development block of the district, 107 in Lundra, 16 in Sitapur, 34 in Batauli, 136 in Mainpat, 46 in Udaipur, and 126 in Lakhanpur. These structures have been constructed in drains and watercourses, allowing rainwater to be captured and slowly absorbed into the ground. This will increase the groundwater level and ensure that water sources like wells, hand pumps, and borewells remain hydrated for a long time.

'Gabion structures proving effective in fast-flowing areas':
Gabion structures are constructed from stones packed in a strong iron mesh, which remain firmly in place even in fast-flowing streams. They are more durable than typical loose boulder check dams and can adjust to conditions without damage, even with slight subsidence. Rainwater retained in these structures for two to three days allows a greater amount of water to be absorbed into the ground, which accelerates groundwater recharge and effectively controls soil erosion.

"Low-Cost, Durable Structures and Local Employment":
Loose boulder check dams and gabion structures, constructed from locally available stones and limited resources, are low-cost. They use minimal cement and sand, reducing construction costs. These projects, implemented through MNREGA, provide employment to a large number of rural workers within the village. Once constructed, these structures require minimal maintenance and play an effective role in water conservation for years.

"Water conservation will strengthen agriculture and drinking water systems":
The construction of these water conservation structures will increase the availability of irrigation water for Kharif, Rabi, and summer crops. Wells and hand pumps that dry up during the summer season will also have water available for a longer period, alleviating the drinking water crisis in rural areas. The "More Village, More Water" campaign, aimed at groundwater conservation, increased agricultural productivity, and environmental protection, is emerging as a strong foundation for water security in Surguja district. The district administration has appealed to citizens and farmers to actively participate in this public campaign for rainwater conservation and to be vigilant about water resources conservation, ensuring the preservation of water resources for future generations.