Raipur: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the Chhattisgarh government’s ‘Mor Gaon Mor Pani’ (My Village, My Water) campaign is delivering significant results in water conservation, groundwater recharge, rural employment, and environmental protection. Implemented under the Viksit Bharat–Gram Jeevan (VBGJ) Yojana, the initiative is emerging as a sustainable solution to water scarcity while strengthening the rural economy through community participation.
A remarkable example of the campaign’s success can be seen in Semardarri Gram Panchayat in Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district, where scientific water conservation measures are helping recharge millions of litres of rainwater into the ground every day.
Semardarri Village Becomes a Model for Scientific Water Conservation
Semardarri Gram Panchayat, located in Marwahi development block, has become a model for effective water conservation through scientifically designed structures.
The campaign has focused on the Bhata-Tikra, Sheetal Gadha, and Pathra Kodi areas, where 8,300 staggered contour trenches have been constructed to capture rainwater and improve groundwater recharge.
These structures prevent rainwater runoff, allowing water to seep into the soil and replenish underground aquifers.
67.23 Lakh Litres of Rainwater Recharged Every Day
According to the district administration, the newly constructed contour trenches are recharging approximately 67.23 lakh litres of rainwater into the groundwater every day during the monsoon season.
The initiative has delivered multiple environmental benefits, including:
- Significant improvement in groundwater levels
- Prevention of rainwater wastage
- Increased soil moisture retention
- Better support for agriculture
- Enhanced growth of forest ecosystems
Officials say these conservation measures will improve long-term water availability and strengthen climate resilience in rural areas.
Campaign Creates Rural Employment Through Water Conservation
Beyond environmental benefits, the campaign is also generating employment opportunities for rural communities.
Around 100 to 120 workers are employed daily in trench construction activities under the campaign.
So far, the project has generated 8,078 person-days of employment, providing additional income to rural households and creating new livelihood opportunities at the village level.
The initiative demonstrates how water conservation projects can simultaneously support environmental sustainability and rural economic development.
Community Participation Driving Water Conservation Efforts
The district administration is promoting water conservation as a people’s movement by encouraging active participation from local communities.
Permanent water conservation structures are being prioritised across various Gram Panchayats to ensure sustainable water management in the coming years.
The administration believes these efforts will:
- Increase long-term water availability
- Improve agricultural sustainability
- Strengthen groundwater reserves
- Protect natural resources
- Enhance ecological balance
CM Vishnu Deo Sai’s Vision for Sustainable Rural Development
The Mor Gaon Mor Pani campaign reflects Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s vision of combining water security, environmental conservation, and rural development through scientific planning and community participation.
Rather than focusing solely on water conservation, the campaign aims to build self-reliant villages by improving natural resource management and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The government views the initiative as a long-term investment in climate resilience, agriculture, and rural prosperity.
Water Conservation Initiative Set to Inspire Other Regions
With measurable improvements in groundwater recharge, employment generation, and environmental protection, Semardarri has emerged as a model for other regions of Chhattisgarh.
The state government expects similar projects to be implemented across more districts, strengthening the culture of water conservation while supporting sustainable agriculture and village development.
The Mor Gaon Mor Pani campaign is increasingly being recognised as a comprehensive rural development initiative that combines scientific water management, environmental restoration, employment generation, and community participation to secure the future of Chhattisgarh’s villages.
