A major transformation in the lives of 45 families through the ‘Mor Gaon Mor Pani’ campaign

Water conservation initiative brings flourishing cultivation to over five acres of land

Raipur / February 2026 : The visionary ‘Mor Gaon Mor Pani’ (My Village, My Water) campaign launched by Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai is scripting a new story of water self-reliance in rural areas. Under this initiative, a long-neglected and unusable stop dam in Mukhtiyarpura village of the Manendragarh Janpad Panchayat area in MCB district has been revived, giving fresh life to the village. This collective effort to conserve flowing water has not only resolved the water crisis but has also ushered in a new era for agriculture, animal husbandry, and rural livelihoods.

When a dilapidated stop dam became a challenge

Several years ago, a stop dam was constructed on a local stream in Mukhtiyarpura village. Over time, the structure deteriorated, and heavy siltation almost eliminated its water-holding capacity. As water flow reduced after winter, villagers struggled to access even basic water for daily use. Irrigation was out of the question, and livestock too faced severe water shortages.

A solution emerged from the Gram Sabha

During the Gram Sabha held in the previous financial year, the Mor Gaon Mor Pani campaign was discussed in detail. United in purpose, villagers proposed the restoration of the dilapidated stop dam. The proposal for community water storage area development and land improvement was unanimously approved. Under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), administrative approval of approximately ₹4.95 lakh was granted, and the Mukhtiyarpura Gram Panchayat was appointed as the implementing agency. The work was completed successfully within the stipulated timeframe under technical supervision.

A water-secure future for the village

After desilting and land improvement works, the stop dam now retains significantly more water than before. The direct beneficiaries include around 45 families from Salka and Sirauli villages. Today, adequate water is available for domestic use, livestock, and other needs. The surrounding groundwater level has also improved noticeably.

Thanks to enhanced water availability, 8 to 10 families have begun cultivating rabi crops along with vegetable farming, and irrigation has reached more than five acres of agricultural land. This success story highlights how the convergence of government schemes, active participation of the Gram Sabha, and collective labour can transform even defunct structures into foundations of prosperity.

The work carried out under the Mor Gaon Mor Pani campaign has emerged as an inspiring example of rural self-reliance, water conservation, and sustainable development—proving that community-driven initiatives can truly change lives.