By THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM| Rajesh Sukumar Toppo, IAS, Secretary of the Water Resources Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, addressed national stakeholders at the “Vision for Sujalam Bharat” Summit 2025 organised by the Union Jal Shakti Ministry in New Delhi. As a key speaker, he presented the Chhattisgarh template for water conservation and recharge, drawing insights from more than 2,800 recommendations contributed by experts, officials and water sector partners. The summit was inaugurated as part of a national dialogue led by Union Minister C.R. Patil on India’s long-term water security and sustainability.

In his presentation, Toppo highlighted the unique ecological character of Chhattisgarh, where 40 percent of the geographical area is covered by forests, earning it the title “Lungs of the Nation”. With an average annual rainfall of 1300 mm, fertile lands, and nearly 20,000 indigenous paddy varieties, the state continues to be celebrated as the Rice Bowl of India. He remarked that while Kerala is often called God’s Own Country, Chhattisgarh may well be described as God’s Own Retirement Home, owing to its rich greenery, clean air and low population density of 180 persons per sq. km, in contrast to Delhi’s 11,320.

Toppo elaborated on the major transformation in irrigation achieved since Chhattisgarh became the 26th state of the Indian Union. The area under assured irrigation has nearly doubled to 22 lakh hectares due to sustained investment in water infrastructure. With paddy procurement at MSP beginning in 2003, farmers today harvest paddy during both Kharif and Rabi seasons. However, this agricultural expansion, combined with rapid urbanisation and industrialisation, has exerted pressure on the state’s groundwater resources.

To counter rising groundwater stress, the Government of Chhattisgarh initiated a series of strategic interventions under Resolute Action 2020, aligned with the Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain programme. A major inter-departmental convergence model was adopted: agriculture departments promoted low-water crops, PHE expanded multi-village water schemes, mining departments allowed desilting to increase storage, and MNREGS supported recharge structures such as percolation tanks and injection wells. Technology-driven water governance, including GIS aquifer mapping, IoT-based soil moisture monitoring, and data-led reservoir scheduling, further strengthened water management.

Toppo showcased several best practices from districts such as Rajnandgaon and Dhamtari. Rajnandgaon implemented GIS-led recharge planning, using injection wells and defunct bore recharge techniques, while Dhamtari’s Jal Jagaar initiative mobilised communities for water conservation. The state has also integrated the Jaldoot App, using AI-based water data to improve planning.

A major highlight of the presentation was Mission Jal Raksha, Chhattisgarh’s flagship groundwater revival programme in Rajnandgaon district. Using satellite imagery, DEM analysis and scientific recharge potential mapping, the mission constructed more than 5,146 recharge and storage structures, creating an additional 70 lakh cubic metres of water storage. Over 1.2 lakh people participated in 5,300 community meetings, including women-led campaigns such as the Nari Jal Yatra. By 2024, groundwater levels rose by 2.04 metres, and 2,556 water bodies were revived, benefiting thousands of farmers. Nearly half of the district’s farmers shifted from water-intensive paddy to low-water crops. The mission also planted 5.39 lakh trees to enhance natural recharge and established soak pits, geotextile-lined ponds and injection wells across households and farms.

Toppo outlined the state’s priorities for the next five years, including reducing groundwater dependence by augmenting surface water, modernising tertiary canal systems, promoting solar irrigation clusters, strengthening water accounting frameworks and investing in capacity-building for farmers and engineers.

Chhattisgarh’s efforts earned national recognition, securing second place among all states in Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB). Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, who also oversees the Water Resources Department, the state completed over 4,05,563 recharge works, with 31,332 more underway. The Ministry of Jal Shakti honoured the state with awards worth 13 crore, and nearly a dozen IAS officers, collectors, commissioners and departmental teams were felicitated for their contribution.

The broader context adds urgency to Chhattisgarh’s water conservation initiatives. As per the Assessment of Dynamic Ground Water Resources, the number of safe groundwater blocks has declined markedly—from 138 in 2004 to 110 in 2020—while semi-critical blocks have increased from 8 to 27, and critical blocks from zero to nine. Experts caution that without sustained efforts, groundwater depletion may threaten agriculture, drinking water supply and ecological stability.

By presenting a model that combines technology, community participation, scientific planning and inter-departmental convergence, Chhattisgarh has positioned itself as a leading state in India’s mission toward Sujalam Bharat. As the summit discussions continue, the Chhattisgarh template may well offer a national blueprint for sustainable water management in the years ahead.