National Initiative on Water Security - UPSC Current Affairs 2025

SYLLABUS

GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

GS-2: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes.

Context:

Recently, the Union Government has launched the National Initiative on Water Security to prioritize water conservation and rainwater harvesting under MGNREGA, transforming water security into a national mission.

Key Features of the Initiative

Water-related works are accorded the highest priority in rural blocks facing water stress.

A fixed portion of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) funds is now mandatorily dedicated to water conservation and harvesting activities across the country.

In over-exploited or dark zone blocks, 65% of MGNREGA funds will be utilised for water-related initiatives.
In semi-critical blocks, 40% of the allocated funds will be directed toward water conservation activities.
Even in blocks without water scarcity, a minimum of 30% of funds will be spent on water-related works.

The initiative seeks to enhance groundwater recharge, promote rainwater harvesting, and ensure resources are deployed effectively where they are most needed.

It transforms rural water management from a reactive approach to a preventive and long-term strategy.

Significance of the Initiative

This initiative strengthens water security in rural areas by ensuring dedicated investments in conservation and harvesting.
This ensures long-term sustainability of agriculture, livestock, and rural livelihoods by improving groundwater recharge and water availability.
This empowers rural communities through better resilience against droughts and water stress.
This integrates environmental sustainability with rural development, making water management a national priority under the MGNREGA.

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

MGNREGA is India’s work guarantee programme launched in 2005 by the Ministry of Rural Development to provide at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
It objective is to providing social protection for the most vulnerable people living in rural India by guaranteeing wage employment opportunities.

Achievements under MGNREGA

Since 2014, MGNREGA has generated over 3,000 crore person-days of employment with a total expenditure of ₹8.4 lakh crore.
Women’s participation in MGNREGA increased from 48% in 2014 to 58% in 2025.
Over 1.25 crore water conservation assets, including farm ponds, check dams, and community tanks, have been created, reducing water-stressed blocks.
Under Mission Amrit Sarovar, more than 68,000 reservoirs have been constructed or rejuvenated in its first phase.