Jal Dharo Jal Bharo (Water Conservation Scheme)

Why it matters

Builds and revives small water bodies across villages so farmers get a reliable irrigation water source year-round, with a bonus income from fish farming in the same water bodies.

What you get

Launched in 2011-12, Jal Dharo Jal Bharo ("Hold Water, Fill Water") is a state water-conservation programme aimed at preserving water resources through large-scale rainwater harvesting and reducing surface-water runoff, implemented through the construction and rehabilitation of minor irrigation structures such as ponds, check dams and water harvesting structures at the village level. Beyond irrigation, the scheme deliberately opens up pisciculture (fish farming) opportunities in the water bodies it creates or revives, giving farmers and rural households in the catchment area an additional income stream from fish cultivation alongside improved irrigation reliability for their crops.

Eligibility criteria

• Farmer or farming community in a village/gram panchayat area where a water body is being constructed or rehabilitated under the scheme
• Land or water body access within the scheme catchment

How to apply

1. 1

   Apply through the Gram Panchayat or District Water Resources office for inclusion of a local water body under the scheme

2. 2

   Technical survey and approval of the water harvesting structure

3. 3

   Construction/rehabilitation of the pond/check dam by the department

4. 4

   Farmers access the resulting irrigation water and may take up fish farming in the water body

Documents required

• Aadhaar card
• Land/water-body access proof
• Gram Panchayat recommendation where applicable