Overview

Chhattisgarh's Korea district has emerged as a national model for groundwater conservation through the innovative '5% Model' of water harvesting. This community-led initiative exemplifies the power of participatory governance in addressing water scarcity and climate challenges.

Key Facts and Data Points

  • The 5% Model: Villagers dedicate 5% of agricultural land for constructing soak pits
  • Scale of Impact: Expanded from 2,000 to 30,000 soak pits within one year
  • Groundwater Improvement: Post-monsoon levels improved from 6.6 metres BGL (2024) to 3.89 metres BGL (2025)
  • Supplementary Initiative: '30-40 Model' involves 30×40 feet contour trenches on barren land
  • Funding: Executed under MGNREGS (rebranded as Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission)
  • Local Campaign Name: 'Aawa Paani Jhonki' (meaning 'let's catch the rain' in Sargujia dialect)

Background and Context

Amid severe heat waves and increasing water scarcity across India, Korea district faced heavily depleted groundwater reserves that had stalled the Jal Jeevan Mission in these villages. The district administration pioneered this grassroots intervention by leveraging the spirit of 'Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari' (community-led water conservation).

Grassroots Mobilization Structure

  • Neer Nayikas: Women leaders for household awareness campaigns
  • Jal Doots: Youth volunteers for micro-watershed mapping, desilting, and educational street plays
  • Community Participation: Active involvement across farms, backyards, and kitchen gardens

Constitutional and Legal Framework

  • Article 48A (Part IV): Directive Principles of State Policy mandates protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife
  • National Water Policy: Emphasizes community participation in water management
  • MGNREGA provisions: Supports water conservation as permissible employment activity

Significance for India and Governance

  1. Climate Resilience: Demonstrates scalable climate adaptation strategies at grassroots level
  2. Convergence with National Missions: Supports Jal Jeevan Mission by addressing groundwater depletion
  3. Sustainable Development Goals: Aligns with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 15 (Life on Land)
  4. Women Empowerment: Institutionalizes women leadership through Neer Nayikas
  5. Rural Employment: MGNREGS funding provides livelihood opportunities while building water infrastructure

Technical Aspects

  • Soak Pits: Facilitate rainwater percolation, groundwater recharge, and soil moisture retention
  • Contour Trenches: Arrest and store surface rainwater runoff on barren land
  • Impact Measurement: Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) data validates success

Lessons for Replication

  • Low-cost, community-driven approach suitable for replication in water-scarce regions
  • Integration of traditional knowledge with modern water conservation techniques
  • Institutionalized community participation through local leadership structures