Ministry of Jal Shakti reviews progress in over-exploited and critical groundwater districts

The Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C R Patil today interacted with District Collectors and District Development Officers from 124 Over-Exploited and Critical districts, as per the 2024 national groundwater assessment. Ministers of State Shri V. Somanna and Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary also participated in the meeting, along with Secretary DoWR Shri V L Kantha Rao and senior officials from Ministry of Jal Shakti and Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.

The review focused on progress under Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 2.0, which aims to create one crore artificial recharge and storage structures by 31 May 2026. Emphasis was laid on accelerating water conservation works in stressed districts to strengthen long-term water security and source sustainability.
The Minister highlighted that 65% of MGNREGA funds in Over-Exploited and Critical blocks have been earmarked for water-related works. He also informed that 15 additional water conservation and groundwater recharge activities have now been permitted under MGNREGA, only for Over-Exploited, Critical and Semi-Critical districts including recharge shafts, injection wells, filtration ponds, artificial wetlands, renovation of traditional water bodies, and spring collection chambers.
The districts were guided on using scientific feasibility (BISAG) maps, CGWB technical support, and convergence of schemes for rapid implementation. District Collectors were urged to prioritise measurable outcomes and timely reporting.

The top three performing districts under JSJB 2.0 – Banaskantha (Gujarat), Salem (Tamil Nadu) and Barmer (Rajasthan) – shared their best practices, showcasing community participation, scientific planning and rapid execution.

The Ministry reiterated that JSJB 2.0 is a whole-of-government, whole-of-society initiative to promote water conservation at scale through public participation.