Chhattisgarh: Balodabazar forest authorities tap into community power for water conservation drive

In an attempt to turn water conservation into a peoples movement, forest authorities in Chhattisgarhs Balodabazar-Bhatapara district have launched an initiative to build 1.26 lakh structures across 56 villages to boost groundwater levels through watershed management and active public participation, officials said on Sunday.

In an attempt to turn water conservation into a people's movement, forest authorities in Chhattisgarh's Balodabazar-Bhatapara district have launched an initiative to build 1.26 lakh structures across 56 villages to boost groundwater levels through watershed management and active public participation, officials said on Sunday. The 'Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari' campaign, which aligns with the Centre's 'Catch the Rain' initiative, has already completed 20,000 structures, including check dams and contour trenches, and it will also involve the rejuvenation of the Mahanadi River basin. ''The 'Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari' campaign aims to develop a sustainable conservation model by integrating water, forests and local communities,'' Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Balodabazar, Dhammshil Ganveer told PTI. He said that preparations for the campaign began in 2025 through an innovative awareness and community participation programme called ''Jal Jungle Yatra'', and that more than 20 such yatras were held across the forest division, with active participation from school students, youth, local communities, public representatives, and nature enthusiasts. Ganveer said the initiative, backed by public participation, scientific planning and continuous monitoring, is expected to emerge as a model for water conservation efforts in other regions as well. For 2026-27, the Balodabazar forest division has set a target of constructing around 1.26 lakh water conservation structures using the watershed approach, he said. So far, around 20,000 structures, including loose boulder check dams (LBCDs), continuous and staggered contour trenches (CCTs/SCTs), and other conservation structures, have been completed, the DFO said. The primary objective is to maximise rainwater conservation, improve groundwater levels and create durable water-conservation infrastructure through active public participation, he said. As many as 56 villages in the forests have been covered under the campaign, and the works are being executed under CAMPA and VB G-RAM-G, generating employment opportunities for local villagers while also strengthening rural livelihoods, Ganveer said. He further said the rejuvenation of the Mahanadi river basin and connected catchment areas flowing through forests in the district has also been taken up as a key component of the campaign. According to the current status of water treatment works, 17 streams in the Mahanadi catchment area are being treated under the initiative, he said. Through these structures, efforts are being made to retain rainwater for longer periods, reduce surface runoff and enhance groundwater recharge in nearby areas, the DFO said, adding that the initiative is expected to help maintain moisture in forest landscapes and improve water availability in wells, handpumps and local sources. The conservation works are also likely to strengthen ecological balance and support the long-term sustainability of forests and wildlife habitats, he explained. Ganveer highlighted that extensive water and habitat management measures have also been undertaken in Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary. In view of rising summer temperatures and increasing pressure on natural water sources, a scientific and field-based water management system has been developed in the sanctuary, he said. More than 240 water sources, including ponds, stop dams, waterholes and saucers, are being regularly monitored across the sanctuary, and their condition is assessed every 15 days. Water availability is ensured within every 5 sq km, and wherever shortages are reported, water is being supplied through tankers, the official said.