MP's Neemuch Pushes Ahead With Well Recharge Mission

Neemuch (Madhya Pradesh): In a promising stride toward solving the region’s water scarcity, Neemuch district has launched a large-scale initiative to recharge over 1,900 wells, aiming to secure water for both drinking and agriculture. Officials say the work is being carried out with urgency and care, ensuring long-term benefits for farmers and rural families.

The campaign falls under the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan, with district collector Himanshu Chandra and janpad panchayat CEO Aman Vaishnav at the helm. Construction is being funded through MNREGA, allowing thousands of rural workers to participate in this mission-mode water conservation drive.

What sets this effort apart is the growing involvement of local farmers. Many have come forward, requesting recharge pits to be built near their wells. Officials confirmed that the district has already surpassed its original construction target.

Each recharge pit, built with layers of stone and sand, is dug 3 to 6 meters from an existing well and measures 3x3 meters wide and 8 meters deep. An 8-inch pipe connects the pit to the well, ensuring that rainwater is channelled directly underground. This ‘dugwell recharge’ technique has proven to be a simple yet effective way to revive water sources, especially before peak summer.

“The idea is to strengthen groundwater before it vanishes,” said a local official. “When wells run dry in summer, it’s not just about farming — families lose their primary water source too. This initiative is a safety net.”

Mandsaur joins hands for water

Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh): The Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan is also gaining ground in neighbouring Mandsaur, where Collector Aditi Garg is steering the campaign with full public participation until June 30.

From gram panchayats to city wards, residents have been joining hands — not just by words but through shramdaan (voluntary work). Recently, Jan Abhiyan Parishad volunteers cleaned the historic Nag Bawdi stepwell in Bhanpura.

Across the district, locals have taken to cleaning ponds, drains, rivers, and other water bodies. “It’s more than a campaign,” said a participant. “It’s about knowing how precious water really is — and doing something about it.”