The Mission Bhagirath Prayas initiative, launched in 2022 by the District Council under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGA), has achieved remarkable success in increasing groundwater levels in drought-prone villages. Kathipada Group Gram Panchayat in Surgana taluka, one of the selected areas, has witnessed a six-fold increase in milk collection, from 500 litres two years ago to 3,500 litres now.
Two dams were constructed under this initiative in villages near Kathipada Group Gram Panchayat, significantly boosting the groundwater level in Kathipada village over the past year. This has positively impacted agriculture and related businesses.
Agricultural transformation in Kathipada
The primary occupation in Kathipada village is paddy cultivation. Previously, the lack of irrigation facilities post-monsoon led to uncultivated fields, forcing villagers to migrate for employment. However, the rise in groundwater levels has enabled the cultivation of additional crops like tomatoes, cucumbers and leafy vegetables, alongside paddy. This has strengthened the agricultural economy, reduced migration and provided villagers with consistent employment.
"The groundwater level has increased due to the Mission Bhagirath Prayas initiative, ensuring abundant water for agriculture and ancillary businesses. Building more dams in Surgana taluka will address the water crisis and foster all-round development," said Rohini Chandrakant Waghere, Sarpanch, Gopalnagar Group Gram Panchayat, Kathipada Taluka.
District-wide impact
So far, 307 dams have been completed under this initiative in the district, leading to significant water conservation efforts. The administration plans to complete an additional 200 dams this year.
"Through the Mission Bhagirath Prayas initiative, we aim to boost water conservation across the district. We encourage citizens to actively participate in the MNREGA scheme to support water conservation efforts in their villages," said Ashima Mittal, Chief Executive Officer, ZP Nashik.
