- Under VB-G Ram Ji Yojana, 2.85 lakh water conservation structures were constructed in Balod district and 19.23 lakh cubic meters of additional water storage capacity was developed.
- Significant initiatives towards water security through rooftop rainwater harvesting, ponds, tanks, recharge shafts, check dams and groundwater recharge works.
The “More Village, More Water” campaign, run under the Vikas Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural), led by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and guided by Deputy Chief Minister and Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, is transforming water conservation into a mass movement across the state. Along with employment generation, the campaign has also accelerated water conservation, groundwater enrichment, natural resource management, and green development.
In this regard, the district administration in Balod district is actively participating in various water conservation initiatives, including all gram panchayats, government offices, educational institutions, industrial establishments, self-help groups, and social organizations. The campaign aims to implement the concept of “rainwater harvesting wherever it rains, whenever it rains.”
Under the campaign, recharge shafts, ponds, tanks, and trenches have been constructed for rooftop rainwater harvesting and surface rainwater harvesting in every government building.
The installation of soak pits and rainwater harvesting systems at hand pumps and Prime Minister’s residences is also being encouraged.For groundwater enrichment, various water conservation structures including recharge pits, injection wells, recharge of inactive borewells, renovation and deepening of ponds, check dams, water absorbing trenches have been constructed and revived.
Through VBG-Ramji (MNREGA), the Forest Department, the District Mineral Fund (DMF), various incentive schemes, and public participation, 2.85 lakh water conservation structures have been constructed in the district so far, creating an additional water storage capacity of approximately 19.23 lakh cubic meters. This will significantly contribute to increasing groundwater levels, conserving soil moisture, improving irrigation facilities for both Kharif and Rabi crops, and increasing farmers’ incomes.
Public participation is the most important basis for the campaign’s success. With the active participation of public representatives, women’s self-help groups, village development committees, women’s commandos, the Green Army, and school and college students, public awareness is being created about the cleanliness of ponds and reservoirs, the construction of water conservation structures in every home, and a massive tree plantation and seed ball campaign is being conducted. So far, more than 300,000 seed balls have been planted in July, and a target of planting 200,000 saplings has been set.
Through the VB-G Ram Ji Yojana, the state government is prioritizing water conservation, natural resource management, green development, and rural livelihood enhancement in all districts of the state. With the spirit of “Water Conservation – From Public Participation to Water Prosperity,” the Balod District Administration is working tirelessly toward the goal of water-secure, green, and prosperous rural development.
