- Korea model resonates across the country – PM calls it an inspiring example of public participation-based water conservation
- Korea’s efforts become a national example: Strengthening water conservation through public participation is our resolve – Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai
In Korea district, the ” Awa Paani Jhokki ” campaign was launched , transforming water conservation into a mass movement, under the ” Catch the Rain ” and the state government’s “More Village, More Water” campaigns . This initiative has transformed water conservation from a mere government scheme into a movement based on widespread public participation.
This innovative effort received special recognition at the national level when the Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji praised the Korea model in his popular program “ Mann Ki Baat ” and called it an inspiring example of public participation based water conservation.
Additionally , the model has received praise at the central level. Union Water Power Minister C.R. Patil even cited the Korea model as an initiative worthy of implementation in other states , highlighting its utility and potential for expansion.
- background
Despite the annual rainfall of about 1370 mm in Korea district, the geomorphological conditions resulted in rapid runoff of water , which limited groundwater recharge.
- Korea Model: The Concept of Mass Movement
Under the 5% model implemented under the “ Water Conservation Public Participation Campaign ” , farmers dedicated 5% of their land for small stepped water structures along with soak pits and structures constructed under MNREGA.
- Community and scientific coordination
Women played the role of Neer Nayikas (water heroes ), youth played the role of Jal Doots (water ambassadors), and decentralized planning was strengthened through Gram Sabhas, making the community self-implementers.
- Achievements by 2025 (Water Recharge)
A total of approximately 2.8 MCM (2.8 million cubic meters) of water was recharged to groundwater in the district . This amount of water is equivalent to approximately 230–235 large ponds (12,000 m³/pond) and over 1,800 ponds ( 1,500 m³/ pond). (Calculations are based on standard scientific standards and careful calculations.)
- Improvement in groundwater level
According to the CGWB report, a significant increase of 5.41 meters in the groundwater level of Korea district was recorded in the year 2025 , which shows the effectiveness of this model.
- Progress in 2026
More than 20,612 water conservation works are completed/in progress which include 17,229 community works and 3,383 MNREGA based structures.
- Collector’s statement
District Collector Mrs. Chandan Sanjay Tripathi said –
” The core of the Korea model’s success is public participation. When society itself commits to water conservation , the results are lasting and widespread. Our endeavor is to ensure water security for future generations by conserving every drop. “
The Korea model proves that when public participation , scientific planning , governance and administrative leadership work together , water conservation can be transformed into a sustainable mass movement – and this model is now moving towards being adopted at the national level as well.