At a time when water scarcity is emerging as one of the most pressing climate challenges, the Korea district in Chhattisgarh has demonstrated how powerful solutions can begin not with large dams or heavy machinery, but with community participation, the Ministry of Jal Shakti said on Thursday.
According to officials, the district transformed a vulnerable landscape into a model of resilience under the spirit of Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari by asking a simple yet transformative question: what if every farmer voluntarily dedicated just 5 per cent of their land to water conservation?
Through the Aawa Paani Jhoki movement, farmers set aside a small portion of their agricultural land to construct recharge ponds and terraced pits. These structures capture rainwater directly within fields, ensuring that monsoon rainfall is retained, absorbed and reused.
More than 1,260 farmers adopted the 5 per cent recharge system on their own land, while over 2,000 soak pits were created across the district. Beneficiaries of rural housing schemes also voluntarily constructed soak pits beside their homes, integrating water recharge into daily life, they said.
The environmental and social gains have been significant and measurable. Groundwater levels have risen by 3 to 4 metres in many villages, while springs have revived in 17 remote tribal hamlets. Improved soil moisture has enhanced agricultural productivity, and seasonal migration has reduced by an estimated 25 per cent as livelihoods have stabilised.
Rainwater that once flowed away now recharges the soil and aquifers. Soil erosion has declined, crop moisture levels have improved during dry spells, and groundwater recharge has become steady and sustainable.
Officials say the campaign drew strength from widespread community participation. Women emerged as Neer Nayikas, guiding households and leading soak pit construction while spreading awareness through traditional folk songs. Youth volunteers, known as Jal Doots, supported the initiative by mapping trenches, desilting canals, and organising street plays and wall art to promote water conservation.
Collective shramdaan also helped revive more than 440 traditional ponds, restoring them as natural recharge sources. Inspired by the movement, over 500 beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana constructed soak pits beside their homes, turning water conservation into a shared community responsibility.
“Korea “5% Model” shows that climate adaptation can be decentralised, affordable and participatory. By dedicating just a small portion of land, communities have secured their water future, demonstrating how collective action can transform water conservation from a government initiative into a people’s movement,” the statement issued by the ministry said.