Korea district in Chhattisgarh has emerged as a model of community-led water conservation through the ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ initiative. Under the Aawa Paani Jhoki movement, farmers voluntarily dedicate five per cent of their agricultural land for small recharge ponds and terraced pits. These structures capture monsoon rainwater in fields, improve soil moisture, reduce erosion and replenish groundwater.
Community-Led Recharge Model
The initiative promotes decentralised water harvesting at the farm level. Rainwater is allowed to seep into the soil instead of flowing away. More than 1,260 farmers have adopted the five per cent recharge system. Over 2,000 soak pits have also been built across villages.
Role of Local Participation
Women have acted as ‘Neer Nayikas’ and encouraged households to build soak pits. Youth volunteers, known as ‘Jal Doots’, have helped in trench mapping, canal desilting and awareness drives. Traditional methods of collective labour have supported the revival of more than 440 ponds. In one instance, 660 soak pits were built within three hours through community effort.
Planning and Technical Support
The district administration used Gram Sabha resolutions, micro-watershed mapping and hydrogeological studies to identify suitable recharge sites. Beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana also built soak pits near their homes, linking housing with water conservation. The approach combined scientific planning with local ownership.
Impact on Water Security
Officials state that groundwater levels have risen by around three to four metres in several villages. Natural springs have revived in 17 tribal hamlets. Better soil moisture has supported agriculture, while seasonal migration has reportedly declined by about 25 per cent. The case is being seen as a practical example of sustainable water management through public participation.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026