3,800 contour trenches constructed in Ordeeh and Arakona villages of Manora as water conservation works gain momentum
Raipur, October 2026: Water conservation initiatives are being prioritised in Jashpur district to preserve rainwater, recharge groundwater and provide local employment opportunities to rural communities. Under the VBG Ram Ji Yojana, various water conservation structures are being constructed in Gram Panchayat Ordeeh and its dependent village Arakona in Manora Janpad.
The initiatives aim to retain maximum rainwater within the villages, regulate the speed of water flow, reduce soil erosion and promote groundwater recharge. Besides improving the availability of water for agriculture and livelihood activities, the construction of these structures is also generating employment opportunities for local villagers.
3,800 Contour Trenches Constructed in Ordeeh and Arakona
As part of the water conservation drive, 1,700 contour trenches have been constructed in Arakona and 2,100 in Ordeeh, taking the total to 3,800. In addition, five livelihood ponds and 10 gabion structures have been completed. Work on 10 LBCD structures in Ordeeh has also been completed.
Ten boulder check dams are planned along Lohra Nala in Arakona. Of these, six have already been completed, while work on the remaining structures is underway.
These water conservation structures are being developed according to the local geographical conditions to retain rainwater and ensure its optimum utilisation.
Initiative to Conserve Water Within Villages
Structures such as contour trenches, gabions and boulder check dams help slow down the flow of rainwater and retain it locally. This helps control soil erosion, promotes groundwater recharge and supports moisture retention in surrounding areas. Over time, these benefits can improve water availability for agriculture and other livelihood activities.
Livelihood ponds can also become an important resource for rural families by supporting irrigation, fisheries and other income-generating activities. In this way, the water conservation structures are not only helping preserve natural resources but also creating opportunities to strengthen rural livelihoods.
Water Conservation Generating Local Employment
A key feature of the water conservation works is the creation of employment opportunities within the villages. The participation of rural residents in constructing the various structures is providing them with local employment while helping create durable water conservation assets.
The initiative therefore serves two purposes: conserving rainwater and supporting rural livelihoods. Local residents are able to earn employment within their villages while contributing to the creation of infrastructure that can improve water availability in the future.
Water conservation activities across Jashpur district are being implemented according to local geographical conditions and the needs of rural communities. The work underway in Ordeeh and Arakona represents an effort to conserve every drop of rainwater, strengthen village-level water security and link natural resource conservation with employment and livelihood opportunities.
