Water Conservation, Increased Agricultural Output, and Economic Support for Villagers through Mahatma Gandhi NREGA

Raipur : Under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), revolutionary steps have been taken in Khadapara, Kanwara, and Bhavarahi Gram Panchayats of Bhaiyathan Janpad Panchayat in Surajpur district for water conservation, irrigation expansion, and livelihood strengthening. By aligning administration and Panchayat coordination with local geographic conditions and villagers’ needs, various water-harvesting structures were constructed. These measures have not only addressed water scarcity but also provided a new direction to the rural agrarian economy.

In Khadapara Gram Panchayat, an earthen bund was built across the Amar fields’ stream under MGNREGA, bringing about 5 acres of additional land under irrigation. Previously, farmers relied solely on rainfall, but now they can cultivate mustard, wheat, and vegetables even during the Rabi season. Over 30 farmers are earning an additional annual income of approximately ₹20,000–25,000. This earthen bund not only supplies irrigation but also aids in recharging groundwater levels and preventing soil erosion.

Meanwhile, in Kanwara Gram Panchayat, the construction of an earthen check dam in the Kodumuda nala has emerged as a community-led initiative. This structure captures rainwater, controls runoff, and recharges groundwater, ensuring year-round irrigation water availability for local farmers. As a result, agricultural productivity has increased, livestock rearing has improved, and families’ incomes have become more stable. The check dam has provided villagers with robust resilience against climate uncertainties.

Similarly, in Bhavarahi Gram Panchayat, a field pond (dubri) was built in the fields of Ramadhar/Ramsaran under MGNREGA to harvest rainwater, granting timely irrigation access to farmers. Before its construction, Ramadhar was entirely dependent on rainfall and faced economic hardships due to low yields. After the pond’s creation, he began cultivating rice along with maize, summer rice (jethi dhan), and vegetables, significantly improving his income. Additionally, possibilities for alternative agricultural activities, such as fish farming, are now materializing.

Together, these three projects have not only marked significant achievements in water conservation but also demonstrated MGNREGA’s effectiveness by generating local employment, boosting agricultural development, and securing sustainable livelihoods. The water-harvesting structures in Bhaiyathan Janpad stand out as a successful model of rural development, paving the way toward safeguarding water resources and ensuring a prosperous future for coming generations.