Madhya Pradesh Advancing Towards “Water Self-Reliance” Under the Leadership of CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav’s visionary leadership is helping Madhya Pradesh script a new chapter in ‘Water Self-reliance’. Launched with the objective of reviving traditional water structures and creating new water sources, the ‘Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan’ has now entered a decisive phase. The campaign is not only reviving disappearing water bodies but is also significantly enhancing the state’s rainwater harvesting capacity through scientific methods. So far, 1,77,121 water conservation works have been successfully completed across the state, marking a major achievement for the rural economy and environmental sustainability of Madhya Pradesh.

The large-scale campaign, being implemented by the Panchayat and Rural Development Department in coordination with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), has received extensive financial support from the state government. A target of 2,42,188 works has been set across the state, with an approved budget of ₹6,201.81 crore. So far, expenditure amounting to ₹4,443.85 crore has been incurred under the scheme. The campaign is based on the concept of ‘retaining farm water within farms and village water within villages’, with the objective of ensuring conservation of every drop of rainwater during the upcoming monsoon season.

Micro-Level Monitoring of Works

Under the campaign, works are being categorised and monitored at the micro level. Madhya Pradesh has achieved remarkable success in “Dug Well Recharge,” under which more than 88,123 dried wells have been recharged so far. Similarly, 53,568 farm ponds have been completed to support irrigation and livestock activities in rural areas. In addition, 27,332 other water conservation and recharge-related works have also been completed.

Creative initiatives such as plantation drives and cleaning of water tanks in schools have also been integrated into the campaign to strengthen environmental conservation efforts. Under the JSJB 2.0 (Jal Sanchayan Jan Bhagidari) initiative, registration of more than 10 lakh works reflects the state’s active public participation in water conservation efforts.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav described the campaign’s success as the result of public participation. He said that water conservation is intrinsically linked to the survival and future of society. The state government aims to raise groundwater levels through these permanent water structures to ensure long-term solutions for drinking water needs and adequate irrigation facilities for farmers. Through the ‘Jal Ganga Sanmardhan Abhiyan’, Madhya Pradesh is emerging as a model state for water management in the country.

Khandwa Among Leading Districts

According to the latest district rankings under the Jal Ganga Sanvardhan Abhiyan (as of May 14, 2026), Khandwa district continues to rank first in the state with a score of 7.51. A total of 9,131 works have been initiated in the district, of which 2,944 have been completed, and 5,400 have achieved physical completion.

Khargone district ranks second with a score of 7.38 and has recorded the highest booked expenditure (financial progress) at 81.17 per cent. Barwani ranks third with a score of 7.23, followed by Ujjain in fourth place with 7.08 and Rajgarh in fifth place with 6.90.

Key Figures at a Glance

Total Targeted Works 2,42,188

Completed Works 1,77,121

Total Approved Budget ₹6,201.81 Crore

Farm Ponds Completed 53,568

Dug Well Recharge Works 88,123