Tree Plantation and “Mor Gaon, Mor Pani” Mega Campaign Give New Momentum to Environmental Conservation and Water Management in the District

Dantewada, June 2026 : Under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), extensive efforts are being undertaken across the district to promote environmental conservation, expand green cover, and strengthen water conservation initiatives. As part of the “Mor Gaon, Mor Pani” (My Village, My Water) Mega Campaign, several significant and sustainable projects have been implemented with active public participation in villages across the district. The positive impact of these initiatives is now becoming clearly visible in rural areas.

As part of the year-round plantation programme under MGNREGS, a large number of saplings have been planted in Gram Panchayats, government lands, school campuses, Panchayat buildings, grazing lands, and along roadsides. Priority has been given to fruit-bearing, shade-giving, and environmentally beneficial species. To ensure the survival and growth of the saplings, arrangements have been made for regular irrigation, protective fencing, and community-based monitoring. This initiative has not only increased the district’s green cover but has also enhanced public awareness about environmental protection.

Under the “Mor Gaon, Mor Pani” Mega Campaign, efforts have been made to transform water conservation into a people’s movement. Various water conservation and recharge structures have been constructed and revived across villages. Key activities undertaken under the campaign include the construction of farm ponds (Dabris), loose boulder check dams, percolation tanks, and watershed development works. These interventions have enabled maximum rainwater harvesting and have shown encouraging signs of improving groundwater levels.

One of the most notable features of the campaign has been the active participation of local public representatives, self-help groups, youth, farmers, and rural communities. Villagers have contributed significantly through voluntary labour and community cooperation, helping make the water conservation initiatives successful. In several villages, the restoration of water structures has enhanced irrigation capacity, leading to improved agricultural productivity and greater economic benefits for farmers.

As a result of these efforts, the district has achieved significant progress in environmental conservation, water availability, employment generation, and rural livelihood enhancement. Through MGNREGS, thousands of person-days of employment have been created, resulting in increased income for rural families. At the same time, tree plantation and water conservation activities have made an important contribution toward mitigating the impacts of climate change.

The district administration has appealed to all citizens, public representatives, and rural communities to continue supporting and expanding these initiatives through active public participation. It emphasized that only through collective efforts can a water-secure, green, and prosperous rural future be built.

The administration has also reaffirmed its commitment to encouraging such innovative environmental and water conservation initiatives in the future to ensure the district’s sustainable and inclusive development.