Jal Shakti Union Minister Shri C. R. Patil and Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai Review JSJB 2.0 with District Collectors of Chhattisgarh
Jal Shakti Union Minister Shri C. R. Patil and Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai Review JSJB 2.0 with District Collectors of Chhattisgarh
Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C. R. Patil, along with Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, chaired a high-level review meeting on Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 2.0 with all District Collectors of the State. The meeting was organised by the National Water Mission, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, in collaboration with the Government of Chhattisgarh.
Shri V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR; Smt. Archana Verma, Additional Secretary and Mission Director, National Water Mission; Shri Rajesh Toppo, Secretary, Government of Chhattisgarh; along with senior officers from the Central and State Governments were present during the meeting where presentations were made by the District Collectors of Durg, Bilaspur and Surajpur, highlighting district-level progress, innovative practices and community-led water conservation initiatives undertaken under JSJB 2.0. These districts showcased large-scale mobilisation, convergence of schemes and focused implementation of low-cost, scientifically designed groundwater recharge structures.
Chhattisgarh had secured the second position nationally during JSJB 1.0 by creating more than four lakh recharge structures within a short period. Several districts from the State were honoured for their exemplary performance, and the State emerged as a frontrunner in community-driven water conservation. Under JSJB 2.0, the State has reported over 88,000 completed works and more than 42,000 ongoing works, reflecting sustained momentum across districts.
The meeting also revisited successful models that emerged from Chhattisgarh, including the CREDAI–Raipur low-cost recharge model developed in partnership with the Raipur Municipal Corporation, and the Korea district “5 percent model”, under which farmers dedicated a portion of their agricultural land for rainwater recharge. These models demonstrated that locally suitable, low-cost interventions, when backed by strong community participation, can deliver meaningful groundwater recharge outcomes.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to ensuring that all districts intensify water conservation efforts under JSJB 2.0. He stated that Chhattisgarh will once again strive to lead by example and ensure that district-level performance becomes a benchmark for other States.
Addressing the District Collectors, Minister Shri C. R. Patil emphasised the need to create adequate rainwater recharge capacity before the onset of the monsoon. He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari has evolved into a Jan Andolan, transforming water conservation into a nationwide people’s movement.
The Minister highlighted that significant funds have been earmarked for water conservation under MGNREGA and urged districts to ensure optimal utilisation of available resources before 31st March 2026. He called for focussed action in critical and semi-critical districts, regular monitoring, timely data uploads on the JSJB portal and stronger convergence with community and CSR participation.
Congratulating the State for its achievements, Shri C. R. Patil expressed confidence that Chhattisgarh will further accelerate its efforts under JSJB 2.0 and continue to set new benchmarks in community-led groundwater recharge and sustainable water management.
